7 Gemini features that can save you hours — and most people overlook them

Gemini, a powerful artificial intelligence platform, offers an array of features that can greatly enhance productivity for users. Despite its capabilities, many users are unaware of these functions, which can save them substantial time. For students now able to access Gemini Pro for a year, these features are particularly valuable. Gemini integrates seamlessly with various Google apps, such as Gmail, Meet, and Slides, enabling it to assist with routine tasks that often consume considerable time.

One key feature is the ability to create 'Gems' for repetitive tasks. By establishing a Gemini 'Gem' with specific instructions, users can quickly access it whenever needed. This customized AI can check drafts against company style guidelines, summarize meeting notes, or review proposals—all without the need to repeat instructions each time. Additionally, users can attach reference files, enhancing the Gem's ability to provide tailored responses.

Another notable feature is Gemini's capability to transform rough briefs into fully-fledged presentations or videos. Within Google Slides, users can ask Gemini to generate a presentation based on a prompt, including text, images, and even references from Drive files. For video creation, Google Vids can generate drafts with suggested scenes, scripts, and voiceovers from a prompt and source material, saving considerable time in the production process.

Gemini Notebooks, formerly known as NotebookLM, are particularly useful for managing research materials. Users can store sources within a single notebook and ask Gemini to generate study guides, flashcards, or quizzes. This enables users to check the origin of each answer, ensuring credibility. Gemini can also convert sources into study guides, FAQs, briefing documents, and even audio overviews, offering users a variety of ways to absorb information efficiently.

For more complex tasks, Gemini Canvas provides a dedicated workspace beyond regular chat conversations. This feature allows users to edit Gemini's output directly, focusing on specific sections and asking Gemini to modify only that part. Gemini Canvas works with both text and code, making it ideal for detailed projects such as creating interactive timelines or task trackers from project notes.

Lastly, Google Meet users can let Gemini take notes during calls. The 'Take notes for me' feature creates organized Google Docs containing meeting notes, which can be shared with participants and linked to Calendar events. This simplifies access to meeting summaries and allows users to request a summary at any point during a meeting, without needing to interrupt proceedings.

Overall, these Gemini features can significantly streamline workflows, making them indispensable tools for anyone looking to maximize their productivity.