Google Introduces File Upload Feature in Gemini AI App for Mobile Users

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06 Sep 2024
5 min read

News Synopsis

Google has rolled out a significant update to its Gemini AI app, enhancing its functionality for mobile users. With the introduction of a new ‘file upload’ feature, smartphone users can now upload files directly from their devices into the Gemini app. This development marks an important step in Google’s plan to extend the reach of its AI-powered assistant for mobile platforms, as outlined in an official blog post by the company.

The ‘file upload’ feature was previously available only to web users through the Gemini 1.5 Pro platform, but Google has now expanded this capability to both iOS and Android users. The new feature is currently accessible to Gemini Advanced subscribers, giving them more flexibility in how they use the app on their smartphones.

How to Use the ‘File Upload’ Feature on the Gemini AI App

The process of uploading files on the Gemini AI app is user-friendly, and Google has ensured that users across both iOS and Android can take full advantage of it. If you’re wondering how to upload files using your phone, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Gemini app in full-screen mode on your iOS or Android device.

  2. Tap on the ‘plus’ icon, located at the bottom-left corner of the screen, next to the microphone and camera options.

  3. A sliding sheet will appear, offering you three file upload options:

    • Upload from gallery

    • Upload a file

    • Upload from Drive

  4. Select the file(s) you want to upload from your cloud storage or directly from your device.

  5. After selecting the files, you can upload them directly into the Gemini AI app.

However, iOS users should note that the ‘Upload from Drive’ option is not supported on the iOS version of the Gemini app. Despite this, Google is committed to providing a similar experience for mobile users as available in the web version of Gemini AI.

Expanding the Gemini App’s Capabilities

The addition of the file upload feature to the Gemini AI app is a significant step in Google’s effort to enhance the app's functionality for mobile devices. While this feature was initially available only for web users, its expansion to mobile users demonstrates Google’s commitment to making the Gemini mobile app more versatile and efficient.

Google also aims to equip the Gemini AI app with all the functionalities available on its web counterpart, enabling users to seamlessly manage their files, documents, and more on the go. This update is poised to make the Gemini app even more powerful and user-friendly for both iOS and Android platforms.

Types of Files You Can Upload in the Gemini AI App

One of the most valuable aspects of the file upload feature is the wide range of file types that users can upload to the Gemini app. Here’s a list of file types you can upload:

  • Plain text files such as TXT

  • Documents like DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, DOT, DOTX, HWP, and HWPX

  • Tabular data files including CSV and TSV

  • Spreadsheets such as XLS and XLSX

  • Google Sheets documents

  • Google Docs files

Google has imposed a limit of ten files per session, and the size of each file should not exceed 100 MB. These restrictions are designed to ensure smooth functionality while allowing users to upload various file types for AI-powered processing within the app.

Conclusion

As Google’s Gemini AI app continues to evolve, the introduction of the file upload feature offers mobile users more flexibility in managing their content and files on the go. With the ability to upload various file types and seamless integration across iOS and Android platforms, the app is set to become an essential tool for productivity and communication.

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