Gemini Expands File Upload and Analysis to Free Users
Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant, has introduced the ability for free users to upload and analyze files. This feature was previously available only to paid Advanced subscribers.
How to Upload Files in Gemini
Once rolled out, a prompt will appear in the Gemini app or on gemini.google.com inviting users to "Upload files to get quick summaries and actionable insights." Tapping the ‘plus’ menu will reveal options to select files from Google Drive, or to upload directly from the web or mobile app.
File Formats and Capabilities
Gemini supports the following file formats:
- PDFs
- Spreadsheets
- Text documents
- Code files
Free users can upload documents to:
- Ask questions about the content
- Obtain summaries of the information
- Share spreadsheets for insights
- Request Gemini to create charts
Context Window and Limitations
The context window for free users is currently unclear. For Gemini Advanced subscribers, the context window is 1 million tokens, which equates to approximately 1,500 pages of text or 30,000 lines of code.
File upload is only compatible with Gemini 2.0 Flash and not the older 1.5 Flash model, which will soon be phased out.
Availability
File upload is currently rolling out to free Gemini accounts but is not yet widely available. It is only accessible to users who have updated to Gemini 2.0 Flash.
History of File Upload in Gemini
Google first introduced file upload for Gemini Advanced in May 2024 with the launch of Gemini 1.5 Pro.
Other Gemini Features for Advanced Subscribers
Other Gemini features that remain exclusive to Advanced subscribers include:
- Deep Research
- Building custom Gems
- Saved Info
- Recall
Conclusion
The addition of file upload and analysis capabilities for free Gemini users is a significant expansion of the service’s functionality. Users can now leverage Gemini’s AI to quickly summarize and extract insights from a variety of file formats. This enhanced functionality makes Gemini a more valuable tool for students, researchers, and professionals alike.
