Google and Apple are preparing to revolutionize the world of AI personal assistants with Gemini Nano and Apple Intelligence. Which one will be better? Let's take a closer look. Clash of AI personal assistants!
So, an interesting tech fall is coming, new iPhones and Pixel devices are on the horizon with new technology - AI personal assistants that promises to make life even more amazing until it starts to get on our nerves. This time they are in the spotlight with Google Gemini Nano and Apple with its Apple Intelligence. Both companies promise that their AI assistants will change the way we use smartphones. So let's take a look at what they actually offer - so what to expect and who might be a better choice for your already overburdened smart device.
AI on the device
Google and Apple boast the ability to process AI requests right on the device. This means that your phone becomes a mini-brain that works independently of cloud servers. Google calls it Gemini Nano, while Apple simply uses the name Apple Intelligence. When a device can't perform a task on-site, it connects to the cloud – which is common for both Gemini and Apple Intelligence. Google offers the full package, while Apple also occasionally uses ChatGPT, without logging private data. Google has the advantage of owning the entire system, while Apple enjoys diversity by relying on ChatGPT's capabilities.
Multimodality
Multimodality – that magic word – means the ability to operate through different modes – text, video and audio. Both platforms boast this functionality. They accept text input, voice commands, analyze audio files, view images and even search videos. Of course, while Google and Apple are both touting these capabilities, we're still waiting for these features to actually make their way to our devices.
Language input
Apple Intelligence is currently only available in English. On the other hand Google Gemini it supports more than 45 languages, which gives it an advantage in communicating with a larger global user base. Of course, Apple will gradually introduce other languages, but as we know, it is very slow and pragmatic.
Text generation and transcription
Both platforms offer text generation and transcription features. Google Gemini lets you write emails, flyers, check documents, and more, regardless of device. Apple Intelligence offers similar features, but only on Apple devices. While Apple has yet to release its text generation features, Google's Gemini functionality is already available everywhere.
Image generation
In addition to image analysis, Gemini and Apple Intelligence also enable image generation. Google Pixel Studio, exclusive to the Pixel 9 models, lets you create images based on text commands, customize the style, and more. Apple's Image Playground has similar capabilities but offers fewer styles. Google also enables AI image recognition, which is key to reducing misinformation. In addition, Google brings Magic Editor, which allows you to fix and edit photos with the help of GenAI, while Apple introduces GenMoji - the creation of personalized emojis that can be used in various messaging applications.
Live mode
At today's Google event, Gemini's Live Mode was introduced, which allows you to talk to AI as if you were a real person. Currently only available in English and for Gemini Advanced subscribers, it allows you to talk and interact with the AI. Apple Intelligence doesn't have this mode yet, but we can expect it in the future. Especially since we know they are working with ChatGPT, we believe this feature will be great from Apple in the future.
Call recording and transcription
Both platforms allow you to record and transcribe conversations. Google displays transcripts in call logs, and Apple adds them to the Notes app. All participants of the call are informed about the recording. Of course, both platforms will take notes from meetings and form conclusions.
Memory and context
Both platforms boast an exceptional ability to remember the context of conversations and understand user needs. This allows the AI to seamlessly continue the conversation and access relevant information from the past. We'll understand all this better when the features actually go live on our devices. So we assume that the devices will remember our requests, habits and past conversations and thus somehow grow with the user's needs.
Privacy
Privacy is always an important topic. Google and Apple are aware of fears about AI, so most of the functionality takes place on the device, without an internet connection. When AI needs access to the cloud, it happens within its own environment, without third-party access to the data. Many problems are to be expected in Europe, which rejects certain rules in the field of privacy.
Availability
Google Gemini Nano will only be available on devices Pixel 9, while Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone 15 Pro series and newer devices. Unfortunately, users in the EU will not be able to use Apple Intelligence due to DMA legislation.
We are still waiting for the two AI assistants official release dates, but we expect them to be available in the coming weeks or months. Apple Intelligence will be free for all users, while basic Gemini Nano features will be free for Pixel device users, with one-year access to more advanced features for Gemini Advanced subscribers.
