7 tips to get started with Google Gemini this weekend

Google Gemini is an incredibly powerful artificial intelligence platform that, thanks to Google’s reach, is quite widely available. This includes voice communications via Gemini Live, built into the Android operating system, and increasingly on edge devices such as in-ear headphones.

However, the most common way to interact with it is through text communication via the Gemini app on a mobile device or on the web. This includes access to several extensions that provide information from Google products, including flights, Maps and your own documents.

However, despite these possibilities, sometimes using a new AI model for the first time or even returning to one you use regularly can leave you unsure where to start. I came up with the concept of Prompt Jitsu as a way to share inspiring ideas and here are 7 to try on Gemini.

Creating a prompt

I tried to come up with a combination of adaptable and fun prompts that would take full advantage of Gemini’s full range of abilities. This involves creating an image, analyzing it, and pulling data from the Google ecosystem, including a YouTube video.

1. Dance trendsetter

(Image source: Google)

To start with, we’ll take advantage of the fact that Gemini can access the Internet. This allows it to perform live searches and download data on the latest trends. Here we combine pop culture with interactive learning.

Prompt: “What’s the latest viral dance challenge on TikTok? Please share the steps with me and find a video tutorial on YouTube so I can learn it!”

2. Creating food images

(Image source: Google Gemini)

Gemini can create images. It uses the powerful AI image generator Imagen 2 from Google DeepMind, although it has some limitations, such as the fact that it can only create square images and will not work outside the United States and a few other countries.

If it doesn’t generate images where you are, use the prompt below using Ideogram, Freepik, Leonardo, Midjourney, or any number of AI image generators and save the image you create.

This is a two-part encouragement. In this case, we will ask Gemini to create an image of some food, and then we will ask Gemini to come up with a recipe based on the ingredients shown in the image.

Hint: “Generate an image showing a table with randomly selected ingredients from at least two food groups. Be bold with your suggestions and make it look like a photograph.“

3. Creative culinary challenge

(Image source: Google Gemini)

In the previous step, we should generate four images. Choose the one with the ingredients you find most interesting and send the following message (do not start a new chat): “Can you provide a creative step-by-step recipe using (image number) and based on the ingredients shown? step by step instructions?

If you are using your own image that was not created by Gemini, click the + icon next to the text box and select your saved image. Then use this version of the prompt: “Based on the ingredients in this image, you can provide a creative recipe with step-by-step instructions.”

4. Escape to the cabin

(Image source: Google Gemini)

Gemini is VERY good at helping you plan the perfect vacation, including saving money on cheap flights and hotels. This prompt uses extensions for hands-on planning. The idea is to leverage Gemini’s ability not only to plan, but also to use real data in the process.

Hint: “I’m planning a weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the woods near (enter location). Use the Maps and Hotels extensions to find cabin options and suggest activities I can do there. Then show me a YouTube video of the location.”

5. Home fitness guru

(Image source: Google Gemini)

If you’re planning to spend the weekend in the woods, it’s a good idea to get some exercise first, just in case. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that the words cabin and forest aren’t always a particularly safe combination. This prompt takes advantage of Gemini’s ability to create a custom plan.

Hint: “I’m looking for a quick and effective 20-minute home workout program that focuses on core strength. Can you provide such a program with clear instructions and modifications for different fitness levels?”