A quick fix from this week's chat with John Stanley on 2GB Nights.
We have all stood in front of a washing machine, a new oven or a remote control and wondered what a button does. The manual is long gone and the little symbols might as well be hieroglyphics. Now your phone can look at it with you and explain it out loud, like having a patient friend standing right beside you.
You need the free Google Gemini app. On an iPhone, download it from the App Store. On an Android phone it is usually already there, or you can get it from Google Play.
How to show Gemini what you are looking at
- Open the Gemini app.
- Tap the Live button. It looks like a little sound wave, at the right of the box where you type.
- Tap the camera button. The first time, tap Allow so Gemini can use your camera.
- Point your phone at the controls and ask out loud, for example: "Which setting should I use for my wool jumper?"
- Keep chatting. Point at a single button and ask "What does this one do?" Tap the red button when you are finished.
Get close and hold the phone steady in good light, so the dial or buttons fill the screen. If an answer does not sound right, say "Have another look" and move a little closer.
Things to try it on
- Washing machine or dryer: "Which cycle is best for towels?"
- Oven or microwave: "What do these symbols mean?"
- The car: "What is this button next to the steering wheel?" or "What does this warning light mean?" Only ever do this when you are parked.
- TV remote: "Which button switches over to the DVD player?"
- The computer: point it at a confusing message on the screen and ask "What does this mean, and what should I do?"
- The garden: "What is this plant, and how often should I water it?"
Do you need to pay for it?
- Google Gemini: the live camera is free on iPhone and Android.
- ChatGPT: it can do this too, but the live camera is only for paid subscribers. On a paid plan, choose Advanced under Settings, then Voice, to see the camera button.
- On a free plan? Both apps let you take a photo and ask about it. Tap the + in the message box, take a photo of the controls, then type or say your question.
A few sensible checks
- AI is very good, but it can get things wrong. For anything involving gas, mains power, water connections or a safety warning, check the manual or call a professional.
- Do not point the camera at bank cards, passwords or personal letters.
- The live camera uses mobile data, so use your home Wi-Fi where you can.
Want a hand setting Gemini up on your phone? A friendly local technician can set it up and show you how, at your place.