Glancing at the Jet-Set World with Google's Gemini AI
Utilizing a Clever Google Messages Technique Allowsa User to Employ AI on Flights Devoid of Paying Wi-Fi Charges
In the skies, Wi-Fi connections can be unstable and incredibly expensive. But fear not, travelers! An ingenious solution has surfaced, thanks to tech journalist Rita El Khoury and her resourceful finding using her Android phone, Google Messages, and the built-in Gemini AI.
El Khoury unveiled this hack during an Air France flight from Paris to Budapest, when she needed to tap into some quick research before takeoff. Rather than spring for expensive in-flight Wi-Fi, she seized the opportunity to use Google's Rich Communication Services (RCS) - a wise decision for those who often opt for the free messaging plan.
RCS, launched in 2008 by the GSM Association, serves as a replacement for outdated Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), boasting features like media sharing, typing indicators, and real-time messaging over data or Wi-Fi.
By connecting to the airline's free messaging service, El Khoury managed to interact with the Gemini AI. She asked for the day's top 10 Android and Google tech stories, and indeed, Gemini delivered the latest headlines, such as the NotebookLM app launch, Google Voice's three-way calls, and more promising developments within the tech world.
Since Gemini is integrated within Google Messages, the replies appeared just like regular chats if RCS messaging is allowed, as it usually is. El Khoury found it a thrilling experience, reminiscent of exchanging messages with a worldly, all-knowing nerd.
While Gemini can produce images, even over slower in-flight connections, it has certain limitations when utilized in this context. Links cannot be opened directly, and users may find it necessary to delete previous chats to view proper formatting, such as underlines and line breaks.
"Peeking through a window at the entire internet without actually opening a browser" - El Khoury's description of her experience - is a fun trick for those searching to avoid the hefty cost of Wi-Fi at 30,000 feet.
Whether this hack will remain viable longer term is uncertain. However, in the meantime, it's a cunning approach for those who seek to stay connected without breaking the bank while flying.
Edited by Andrew Hayward
Essential Reads: Stay Ahead of the Tech Curve
Uncharted Territories of In-Flight Connectivity
Google's Gemini AI, snugly nestled within Google Messages, enables users to engage in AI-powered communication even amidst limited or no internet connectivity, such as during flights utilizing RCS messaging. Though the service has its constraints, it offers a creative solution for those seeking to navigate the digital landscape without Wi-Fi.
Essential Bits
- Offline or Low-Connectivity Operation: Gemini seamlessly functions within the Google Messages framework, responding to queries even without an active internet connection, thanks to the enabling of RCS messaging[1].
- Media Generation: Gemini can generate images and text-based content, even on slower networks like in-flight Wi-Fi, although the specifics behind handling these tasks without internet access are yet to be discovered[1].
Caveats
- Link Restrictions: Users are unable to open links directly through Gemini within Google Messages. The need to surf the internet outside of the messaging app remains, unfortunately[1].
- Formatting Frustrations: Proper formatting may not always display correctly within chats, necessitating users to clear previous messages or employ other workarounds[1].
Summing up
With Gemini AI's integration, adventurous travelers now have the ability to connect to the world without the usual Wi-Fi expenses. But the limitations, particularly with links and formatting, show that there's still room for improvement. Hopefully, future innovations will eliminate these drawbacks, enabling our digital lives to soar even higher in the digital skies.
[1] Based on enrichment data provided.
Using Google's Gemini AI within Google Messages, you can engage in AI-powered communication offline or in low connectivity situations, such as during flights that utilize RCS messaging. Although there are restrictions, like not being able to open links directly and proper formatting not always displaying correctly, this solution offers a creative method for those seeking to navigate the digital world without Wi-Fi.
