Google Gemini gets an iPad app at last – here’s why that’s a big deal

Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Google Gemini users who’ve been patiently waiting for an official iPad version of the AI now finally have one. On Wednesday, Google rolled out a new flavor of the app designed to take advantage of the tablet’s larger real estate.

Sure, you’ve always been able to run the Gemini iPhone app on an iPad. As with any app developed only for the iPhone, doing so runs it in compatibility mode. That means it can appear either in a scaled-down, iPhone-size screen or in a larger, slightly blurry window. Both options look bad, feel clumsy, and can’t tap into the power of the iPad.

Also: Gemini for kids is rolling out, and it comes with 3 warnings from Google

Now available in the App Store, the free Gemini iPad app eliminates the limitations of the iPhone version and offers all the skills of Google’s AI. Gemini Advanced subscribers and free users alike can perform any of the following tasks:

• Type or speak your request at the prompt
• Launch Gemini Live for natural back-and-forth conversations
• Generate images and videos
• Analyze photos, documents, and other files
• Run Deep Research to get a detailed report based on online sources
• Use Canvas mode to write and revise code and documents in real time
• Access Audio Overview to create an AI-hosted podcast on any topic

Multitasking capabilities

With the app now on the iPad, you’re able to tap into the tablet’s multitasking capabilities. Using Split View or Slide Over mode, you can display the Gemini app side by side with another app.

For example, let’s say you want to view your photo library to upload an image for Gemini’s analysis. Just run the Photos app alongside the Gemini app until you find the photo you want to use.

Also: 5 easy Gemini settings tweaks to protect your privacy from AI

Finally, if you’ve never tried the cool Audio Overview tool, now’s a good time to check it out. Able to generate a podcast hosted by two human-sounding AI bots, this feature is now available for Gemini Advanced subscribers and free users in more than 45 languages around the world.

With Audio Overview, you can upload documents, slides, and even Deep Research reports. An Audio Overview button appears above the icon for the uploaded content. Tap that icon, and Gemini will create the podcast for your listening pleasure.

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