Gemini
: How to use it, features, and the business problems it solves

What is Gemini

Gemini is an AI assistant provided by Google. Built on Gemini models (Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro, plus Gemini 4 Argon, the latest model, available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers since October 13, 2026), it handles question answering and writing, and also brings Deep Research (automated research), Gemini Live (voice conversation), Canvas (collaborative editing), and image and video generation together in a single app. Its biggest distinguishing feature is deep integration with Google's suite of services, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Search, Google Flow for video generation, and Gemini Notebook for research support.

The latest model Gemini 4 Argon, and the upcoming Gemini 4 Carbon (October 2026)

Gemini 4 Argon is the latest model, rolled out in the Gemini app on October 13, 2026 (Google official blog). It is available to Google AI Pro (¥2,900/month) and Google AI Ultra subscribers, and the Japanese pricing page also lists "access to Gemini 4 Argon" as an AI Pro and Ultra benefit. The free plan is limited to Flash-Lite and Google AI Plus goes up to Flash, so Argon is not available on those plans.

• Answers: More direct, with less hedging, and more frequent progress updates on long tasks
• Tasks: Switch from chat to "tasks" and Gemini keeps working across your Google apps and more even while you are away from your computer. The official blog announced it for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, while the Japanese pricing page lists early access to "Tasks in Gemini" and more as an AI Ultra benefit "in select countries only," and does not state whether it is available in Japan (checked October 29, 2026)
• 40+ connected apps: Connects to apps such as Instacart, OpenTable, Adobe, and Shopify for ordering, booking, design, and more
• Coding: Google Antigravity's agentic coding interface is available directly in the Gemini macOS app

Gemini 4 Carbon is a higher-end model built on Argon that Google announced on October 28, 2026 (Google official blog). It is strong in cybersecurity and long-horizon tasks, scoring highly on vulnerability finding (SEC-bench Pro 88.2%) and patching (CWE-bench 71.0%). However, for now it is offered only to a subset of cyber defenders through the Fairwind Program, will be phased to additional trusted partners, and will come to developers, businesses, and consumers "as soon as possible." Google has not stated when it will reach the Gemini app or whether it will be available in Japan (as of October 29, 2026).

An AI assistant that works as one with Google services

Gemini's strength is that you can call up AI right inside the Google tools you already use every day. AI assistance in Gmail and Docs, AI Mode in Search, AI video production in Google Flow, and document comprehension in Gemini Notebook all connect together, usable across the board with a single Google account. Higher-tier plans give you access to more capable models and larger context (importing files of up to 1,500 pages).

How to use it

1. Sign in with your Google account

   Go to gemini.google.com and sign in with your Google account. You can start using it for free.

2. Ask a question or make a request

   Enter what you want to look up or create. Attaching images and files is also supported.

3. Research and generate

   Run automated research with Deep Research, or generate images and video (Google Flow).

4. Integrate with Google services

   Put Gemini to work inside Google tools such as Gmail, Docs, and Search.

5. Choose a plan

   Depending on your usage and the models you need, upgrade to a paid Google AI plan (Plus / Pro / Ultra).

Features

Pricing

It is free to use, and a Google AI subscription raises the models and usage limits available (amounts are the monthly prices shown on the Japanese pricing page, which does not state whether tax is included; checked October 29, 2026).

Model availability change in October 2026: According to Google's official help article "Changes to Gemini model access and limits", the models available on personal accounts now depend on the plan. Without a plan, only Flash-Lite is available from October 9 (previously 3.6 Flash and limited access to 3.1 Pro). AI Plus loses Pro, and subscribers receive an email explaining when the change applies to them. For each model you can choose an effort level (low, medium, high); higher levels use more of your limit. Deep Think is listed for AI Ultra only in the English help article, while the Japanese version lists AI Pro and AI Ultra (checked October 8). Limits are compute-based, refreshing every 5 hours until you reach your weekly limit.

API (developer) pricing: On the Gemini API, Gemini 4 Argon (model ID gemini-4-argon) has an introductory price through November 30, 2026 of $2 input / $10 output per 1M tokens (output includes thinking tokens), rising to $4 input / $20 output from December 1 (Gemini API pricing). Argon is not available on the API free tier. Gemini 4 Carbon has been announced to launch at the same introductory price as Argon ($2 input / $10 output, with cached input at 95% off the input price), with $4 input / $20 output applying after the introductory period (its end date has not been stated).

Gemini Enterprise is also offered for businesses (this change applies to personal accounts).

How it differs from other AI assistants

Gemini stands out for being "usable as one with Google's suite of services." Like ChatGPT and Claude, it is a high-performance conversational AI, but its strength lies in integration with its own ecosystem, such as Gmail, Search, and video generation.

If you're choosing based on breadth of features or agents, ChatGPT is a comparison point; if you prioritize writing, code, and safety, Claude is worth comparing.

The information on this page is based on what was published on the official website as of October 2026. Please check the official website for the latest specifications and pricing.