Google's Gemini 2.0 update will supercharge your phone — 3 changes to try first

Gemini logo
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Google Gemini 2.0 is here, and it has some impressive changes to help improve the user experience, particularly for Android users.

There was a lot to love about the initial Gemini release but also some issues and teething problems with the software. However, Google has since released Google Gemini 2.0, which outperforms the original on almost all benchmarks, despite being smaller and faster.

Some of the biggest changes offer some major advantages to phone users. This includes improvements to speed, multimodal understanding and integration.

Gemini gif

(Image credit: Google)

1. Improved multimodal understanding

Gemini 2.0 includes native image and audio processing. Essentially, Gemini doesn't have to convert images and audio into text before processing them, which is what the original Gemini did.

The advantage to this is that it allows the AI to better capture more subtleties and contextual clues that can be lost in the transfer.

This makes using it on your phone much more detailed, especially if you need to quickly get information on a captured image or YouTube video. So, for instance, you can take a photo or record a conversation and be sure to have a much more comprehensive breakdown.

2. Better system integration

One of the biggest advantages of Google Gemini is simply how well it integrates with the rest of Google's services.

For instance, Google Search is getting deeper integration, making for more conversational search experiences, and better AI overviews. Google Workspace will also see more integration in features like Docs, slides and Google Meet.

What this means is that the tasks you usually do on your phone will become just that bit better with the AI involved, without you needing to actively do anything.

3. Better performance and responsiveness

The biggest advantage for phone users, however, is Gemini 2.0 Flash. This new, smaller model offers more speed and responsiveness than 1.5 Flash.

Google has designed it to deliver enhanced performance, while at the same time reducing the latency. It helps to feel more natural when using the AI, while also making the whole experience a bit more streamlined

Another advantage of this is that, while Gemini 2.0 is more powerful, you could see your battery last much longer while using it. So if you make use of it on something like the Pixel 9 Pro, you'll be able to make use of all the best features without having to run back and forth to charge the device.

Coming soon: AI agents

Project Astra: Our vision for the future of AI assistants - YouTube Project Astra: Our vision for the future of AI assistants - YouTube
Watch On

All of this alone would be a major win, but we are awaiting the implementation of Google Gemin's AI agents, which are capable of executing complex tasks with multiple steps.

So, for instance, the AI can easily plan a trip on Google Maps with an itinerary and varied stops at the push of a button.

While the feature wasn't available on the 2.0 flash desktop for maps, we expect it to be part of the mobile app which recently saw a pre-release rollout.

There's a lot to be excited about with Gemini 2.0, and arguably we're only scratching the surface of what the AI is capable of. When we compared Gemini 2.0 to Gemini 1.5 the differences were astounding, so if you are a fan of AI then this is one to grab.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Josh Render
Staff Writer

Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer. 

Read more
Gemini Live
Gemini Live major upgrade just revealed by Google
The new Gemini app home page vs the old
Forget ChatGPT — Google Gemini can now see the world with live video and screen-sharing
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google is giving away Gemini's best paid features for free — here's the tools you can try now
AI Mode of google search
Google launches 'AI Mode' for search — here's how to try it now
Google Assistant
Gemini to kill off Google Assistant on most Android phones — here's what you need to know
Gemini screenshot image
Google unveils Gemini 2.5 — claims AI breakthrough with enhanced reasoning and multimodal power
Latest in Google Phones
CAD renders of the Google Pixel 10
Pixel 10 could include a repurposed ‘Pixie’ assistant — but what actually happened?
Google Pixel 9 with Amazon Spring Sale deal tag
The Google Pixel 9 is at its lowest price ever for Amazon Spring Sale — 30% off now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is lacking one of the Pixel 9’s best safety features — here’s what we know
Google Pixel 9a with thumbs up and thumbs down icons
Google Pixel 9a — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Latest in News
The Signal app logo displayed on an iPhone, with a screenshot of the Signal app in use displayed on a monitor in the background.
Signal — everything you need to know about the app at the center of the group chat scandal
Robert Downey Jr. revealed as Doctor Doom for "Avengers: Doomsday"
Marvel reveals 'Avengers: Doomsday' casting — follow the latest updates live
Wyze Cam v3
Wyze adds AI-powered filter to its security cameras to cut down on notifications that are “no big deal”
Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) as Invincible in his blue suit during a scene from "Invincible" season 3 on Prime Video.
'Invincible' season 4 release window just announced — here's when it's coming
Microsoft Copilot app running on a phone with Microsoft logo in background
Microsoft 365 Copilot debuts new research tools for work: here's what that means
COLUMBUS, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Amber Glenn skates in the Women's Free Skate during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Nationwide Arena on January 26, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Watch World Figure Skating Championships 2025 online – live stream, schedule, what TV channel is it on?