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What is Google Gemini and What is an AI Agent?

By Susan Gonzales on 02/10/2025 @ 06:11 AM

What is Google Gemini and What is an AI Agent?

Following my social post on Superbowl AI commercials, here’s some additional information. In essence, this Superbowl commercials normalized AI! It was AI literary at its best. For the first time, ordinary people saw we use AI everyday and what news tools are at our fingertips. Specifically, I called out Google Gemini because it was so heartwarming to see a Dad practicing for an interview by chatting with Gemini, their generative AI tool, rivaling ChatGPT. I also called out Salesforce AI Agent to illustrate how small businesses can use new AI tools to improve business.

While these were great illustrations of how the AI tools can work FOR people, let’s not forget that AI can get it wrong or it can not work so smoothly. This is the conundrum. AI needs to learn from its mistakes to get better. Think of when we got math problems incorrect, we had to keep doing them over and over until we got the right answer. Well, unfortunately, AI tools are similar and we are the testing bed. It’s not all bad by any means, but we need to be aware that AI can get it wrong so we must cross reference and double check the information gathered in some cases. Be aware.

Below is a snapshot of a review of Google Gemini. Also below is a guide to find more information about Salesforce AI Agents for small businesses.

Enjoy!

Google Gemini

Gemini

Specifications: Free, with limits $0; Pro plan $19/month

Reasons to use: High accuracy

Reasons to Avoid: Privacy concerns, Dependency on Google ecosystem

Google Gemini, the tech giant’s next-generation AI model, is redefining the standard for text-based interactions. As the latest evolution of Google's AI capabilities, Gemini combines conversational fluency, advanced reasoning, and deep integration with Google’s ecosystem. Its user-friendly design and cutting-edge features make it the best AI chatbot for engaging in intelligent text conversations. Google Gemini’s strength lies in its conversational abilities. Built with state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) and multimodal capabilities, Gemini can handle complex questions and provide nuanced, context-aware responses. Its ability to understand and respond in a human-like manner makes it a good choice for deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Gemini excels at sustaining dialogue, clarifying ambiguities, and asking intelligent follow-up questions. This makes it feel less bot-like and more of a human-like, conversational partner, ideal for casual chats and brainstorming.

Yet, Gemini isn’t just about text—it’s a multimodal powerhouse capable of understanding and integrating inputs from text, images, and potentially videos. While its text capabilities are its primary strength, its ability to generate images, analyze visual data, and weave it into conversations is a game-changer.

For instance, a user can upload an image and discuss its context, ask for detailed analysis, or even request a creative reinterpretation—all seamlessly integrated into the flow of conversation. This versatility enriches text-based interactions and provides users with a truly dynamic experience.

One of Gemini’s biggest advantages is its seamless integration with Google’s suite of tools and services. Whether you’re using Google Workspace, Search, or Maps, Gemini enhances functionality by providing smart, contextual suggestions directly within your workflow.

For example, while writing in Google Docs, Gemini can act as a writing assistant, offering real-time edits, style suggestions, or even creative brainstorming. Its ability to pull live data from Search or integrate with Gmail for drafting emails makes it an invaluable tool for professionals and everyday users alike.

Gemini boasts a deeper contextual memory than most other chatbots, enabling it to remember details from earlier parts of a conversation. This allows for more coherent and personalized interactions, as it can build on previous exchanges rather than starting from scratch each time. Whether you're asking for career advice, troubleshooting an issue, or working on a creative project, Gemini ensures your conversation feels consistent and tailored to your needs.

With access to Google’s vast data resources, Gemini delivers highly accurate and reliable responses. Unlike some competitors prone to “hallucinations” (inaccurate or fabricated answers), Gemini is designed to prioritize factual accuracy. Google has implemented rigorous testing and safety protocols to ensure ethical and responsible AI use, including bias mitigation and clear attribution of sources.

Gemini represents Google’s vision for the future of AI-driven communication. Its constant updates and iterative improvements mean users benefit from cutting-edge technology, backed by one of the most innovative companies in the world.

Google Gemini sets the benchmark for conversational AI by blending advanced text-based capabilities, multimodal integration, and seamless ecosystem support. Whether you’re seeking a chatbot for casual conversation, professional assistance, or creative collaboration, Gemini delivers an experience that feels intelligent, intuitive, and deeply personalized. With its unparalleled conversational fluency and Google’s backing, Gemini firmly establishes itself as the best AI chatbot for text conversations.

Pricing: Google Gemini’s free tier offers robust capabilities that are more than sufficient for most users, making advanced conversational AI widely accessible. For power users, a premium subscription unlocks even greater processing power, enhanced memory capabilities, and priority access to new features, ensuring Gemini stays ahead of the competition.

AI AGENTS - WHAT ARE THEY?

AI Agents are basically the new version of simple chatbots that we use on websites as “virtual customer service agents”. AI Agents allow us to essentially have a conversation with the AI tool. Here's a breakdown of how AI agents operate: Perception and data collection: AI agents start by gathering data from a variety of sources including customer interactions, transaction histories, and social media. This data is crucial for understanding the context and nuances of customer queries.

I highlighted the Salesforce AI Agent Superbowl commercial which highlighted how one restaurant sat a customer outdoors in the rain while the customers across the street were cozy and warm eating indoors. This illustrated that the AI Agent allows customers to get information such as “a table outdoors is not available due to rain in the forecast”. It was a simple, yet effective message.

You will be hearing a lot more about AI Agents - we are at the very beginning of an entirely new era. Keep your eyes and ears open. AI literacy is in our hands!

To learn more about the ongoing conversation that inspired this blog, check out this article from SalesForce.

DeepSeek - What is it?

By Susan Gonzales on 01/29/2025 @ 07:52 AM

DeepSeek - What is it?

You have likely heard of ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s Anthropic, all competing Generative AI tools. Generative AI is an AI tool that “generates” responses to our inquiries called “prompts.” For example, “Write a 500-word letter to my homeowners association about fixing the lights outside or homes.” or “What are the top 10 best ideas for a 10-year old scavenger hunt.”

ChatGPT has been the #1 Generative AI (GenAI) tool since it launched two years ago. That all came crashing down earlier this week when DeepSeek was released by a Chinese investor. Some call it the “Sputnik” of this generation, referring to when the Russians launched the first satellite in space to beat the U.S. many years ago.

You can go to DeepSeek.com or download the app on Apple. As of January 28, 2025, DeepSeek is the #1 downloaded app.

Some concerns about DeepSeek are around the security of data, given that this company is Chinese-owned and China has been known to access the data of U.S. citizens for nefarious purposes. However, TikTok is also Chinese-owned, and we can see their success in the U.S., albeit under question currently.

DeepSeek is currently known to be on par with ChatGPT and other leading GenAI tools created in the U.S., if not better. It is also cheaper for the techies who need to use it to build things.

The rest of us can access DeepSeek and use the tools for free. As always, this conversation comes down to AI literacy. We must understand the basics, explore a little, and proceed with caution. Download the app or go to www.deepseek.com.

I wish you good luck with your exploration and protect your online privacy in Settings.

To learn more about the ongoing conversation that inspired this blog, check out this article from Reuters.

Things you should know about AI and Job Searching

By Susan Gonzales on 01/10/2025 @ 08:58 AM

Things you should know about AI and Job Searching

Looking for a job has become easier and more difficult with AI. Understanding AI basics and embracing AI literacy will definitely give you a competitive edge compared to candidates to do not understand how to maximize AI.

Using AI to search for a job can be simple and effective. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Create a Professional Resume and Cover Letter

  • Use Generative AI tools like Google Gemini to draft a polished resume and cover letter tailored to specific jobs. Provide details about your skills and experience, and the AI can suggest improvements or generate content. IMPORTANT: If you use Generative AI, go through the document to personalize it. Recruiters can use AI tools to detect AI-written information and likely will not appreciate it.

2. Search for Jobs

  • Job searching and networking platforms use AI to recommend jobs based on your profile, skills, and preferences.
  • You can set filters (location, job type, etc.) and receive notifications about matching opportunities.
  • Be very specific to make it easier for your search.

3. Optimize Your Profile

  • Use Resume Review AI tools like to analyze and enhance your profile. These tools suggest keywords and optimize your profile to attract recruiters. Again, it is best to personalize your information.

4. Prepare for Interviews

  • Use Generative AI tools to practice interview questions. They can simulate real interview scenarios and give you tips to improve. You can write a question (a prompt) “What are the top 5 most asked questions for (job you are seeking).”

5. Network with AI Assistance

  • AI tools can help you draft personalized messages to reach out to professionals on via networking site or email for networking purposes. Once again, it is important to personalize the information.

6. Follow Up and Track Applications

  • Search for AI tools to organize and track job applications. AI can help you draft polite follow-up emails. Yes, you get it…personalize!

To learn more about the ongoing conversation that inspired this blog, check out this article from LinkedIn.

AI and Job Searching - What you need to know.

By Susan Gonzales on 01/06/2025 @ 05:44 AM

Is job searching in your future? If so, now is the time to embrace AI literacy to understand the basics of how it works. Why? Because AI is intricately intertwined throughout your job search process. Our series this week is helping you navigate the new world of job searching with AI behind it all. Let’s begin with high level Pros and Cons about how AI works in the job searching process.

Pros

1. Efficient Resume Screening

AI tools can quickly scan and evaluate resumes, saving time for both job seekers and employers. This is a Pro and a Con because some AI tools that review resumes can be biased and dismiss great candidates. There is nothing we can do but do your research on understanding how AI resume review tools work.

2. Personalized Job Recommendations

AI algorithms analyze your skills and preferences to suggest tailored job opportunities. This is especially helpful on job searching websites.

3. Enhanced Networking

AI-powered platforms like LinkedIn use algorithms to connect job seekers with relevant professionals and recruiters. This is huge - it is who you know, not necessarily what you know!

4. Automated Application Tracking

AI tools keep track of applications and notify users of updates, ensuring better organization.

5. 24/7 Availability

AI tools are available around the clock, allowing job seekers to explore opportunities and receive assistance anytime.

6. Skill Gap Analysis

AI can identify gaps in a candidate’s skillset and recommend courses or training programs to enhance employability.

7. Bias Reduction in Screening

Properly designed AI systems can minimize unconscious bias in the initial stages of candidate evaluation. This is tricky because we don’t know what AI screening tools are being used.

8. Enhanced Interview Preparation

AI tools like chatbots can simulate interview scenarios, helping candidates practice and improve their responses. Practicing interviewing with a Generative AI tool could be so helpful!

9. Global Reach

AI platforms provide access to opportunities worldwide, breaking geographical barriers.

10. Data-Driven Insights

AI analyzes market trends, salary benchmarks, and industry demands, offering job seekers valuable information.

Cons

1. Lack of Human Touch

AI-driven interactions can feel impersonal, making candidates feel undervalued or misunderstood. There is no way around it anymore.

2. Over-Reliance on Keywords

AI systems may reject resumes that lack specific keywords, even if the candidate is highly qualified. Job searching is ALL about keywords!! Your resume keywords need to match keywords in job descriptions.

3. Potential Bias in Algorithms

AI algorithms may inadvertently perpetuate biases if not properly designed or tested. Unfortunately, we don’t know where it went wrong until it is too late.

4. Privacy Concerns

The use of personal data by AI systems raises concerns about data security and misuse. Remember to set your privacy settings. Privacy is in your hands.

5. Limited Understanding of Context

AI struggles to understand nuances or non-traditional career paths, potentially overlooking strong candidates.

6. Risk of Exclusion

Candidates unfamiliar with AI-driven systems or lacking AI literacy may be disadvantaged. A job candidate needs to understand how AI works in order to navigate the process equally.

7. Algorithmic Errors

Mistakes in AI decision-making can lead to the exclusion of qualified candidates or matching with irrelevant roles.

8. One-Size-Fits-All Recommendations

AI job-matching tools might not account for unique career aspirations. AI tools typically work the same for everyone and one size does not fill all.

9. Over-Screening

AI may overly filter candidates, making it harder for individuals with unconventional skills or experiences to get noticed.

10. Job Displacement in Recruitment

Automation of recruitment processes may lead to a reduced demand for human recruiters, impacting jobs in HR.

To learn more about how you can make AI work for you during your next job search, check out our Job Searching with AI video!

AI and Your Money

By Susan Gonzales on 12/13/2024 @ 05:14 AM

AI and Your Money

You may already know that AI is being used behind the scenes in almost every aspect of our money. AI tracks user behavior to detect suspicious activities or unauthorized access. AI notifies us about overspending, upcoming bills, or unusual account activity. AI tools provide insights into credit scores and suggest ways to improve them. AI evaluates creditworthiness faster and more accurately by analyzing alternative data sources.

These are all great tools but like everything with AI - there are some good and not so good things about how it works. In this case, beware of AI and applying for a loan for a house, car, personal items or anything! The AI behind loan applications has been known to get it wrong because the algorithm (the instructions) have been written too narrowly and can discriminate.

For example, AI tools track when we make a mistake and correct it on our loan application. It identifies our shopping patterns, bill payment history, zip code and more. As you can imagine, a person is more likely to make mistakes applying for a loan on a device. What about someone who is impaired? AI can discriminate on a loan application based on zip code. It will know if the zip code is from a higher or lower-income area.

Beware of the “Click here and get approved for a loan in minutes!!” ads online. These could be fake sources or financial institutions with high interest rates to take advantage of people or they could have a bad reputation in loan management. Most importantly, do your homework and only seek financial loans from reputable financial institutions. Embrace AI literacy - understanding how the basics work.

Your money matters!

1. Budgeting and Expense Tracking

  • Personal Finance Apps: Apps like Mint or YNAB use AI to categorize transactions, analyze spending patterns, and recommend budget adjustments.
  • Automated Alerts: Notify users about overspending, upcoming bills, or unusual account activity.

2. Investment Management

  • Robo-Advisors: Platforms like Betterment or Wealthfront use AI to create and manage diversified investment portfolios based on risk tolerance and financial goals.
  • Algorithmic Trading: AI-driven algorithms execute trades based on market data and trends, optimizing returns.
  • Market Predictions: AI analyzes news, social media, and financial reports to predict market movements.

3. Fraud Detection

  • Real-Time Monitoring: AI systems flag unusual transactions, helping prevent fraud or identity theft.
  • Behavior Analysis: Tracks user behavior to detect suspicious activities or unauthorized access.

4. Credit and Loan Management

  • Credit Score Monitoring: AI tools provide insights into credit scores and suggest ways to improve them.
  • Loan Approvals: AI evaluates creditworthiness faster and more accurately by analyzing alternative data sources.
  • Debt Management: Offers strategies to pay off debt efficiently by simulating repayment plans.

5. Personalized Financial Advice

  • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered assistants like Erica (Bank of America) or Cleo answer financial queries and provide tailored advice.
  • Goal Tracking: Helps set and achieve savings goals by recommending actionable steps.

6. Tax Optimization

  • Tax Filing Tools: Tools like TurboTax use AI to identify deductions, reduce errors, and simplify tax filing.
  • Audit Predictions: AI evaluates the likelihood of a tax audit and offers preemptive solutions.

7. Savings Optimization

  • Automated Savings: Apps like Digit analyze income and spending habits to transfer small amounts into savings without impacting cash flow.
    Interest Rate Comparisons: AI recommends the best savings accounts or investment options for higher returns.

8. Business Financial Management

  • Cash Flow Forecasting: AI predicts future cash flow for businesses, helping them plan better.
  • Invoice Management: Automates invoicing and payment reminders to ensure timely payments.
  • Expense Reconciliation: Streamlines tracking and categorizing business expenses.

Why AI Matters to You

By Susan Gonzales on 12/06/2024 @ 06:50 AM

Why AI Matters to You

Have you ever searched for a job, applied for a loan, written an essay, struggled with solving math problems, or faced a serious health issue? If you answered “yes” to any of these, then AI matters to you! Why? Because AI is deeply embedded in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Think about when you pick up your device. Did you use your face to unlock it? That’s AI—facial recognition at work. Did you click on a website or watch a video online? Every click teaches AI about your preferences—what you like, what you don’t, and what you might want to see more of. It’s all powered by AI.

Why AI Is So Relevant

AI relies on data to function, and we generate that data every time we interact with technology. It simplifies our lives in many ways:

  • Personalized Recommendations: It suggests items or content tailored to our interests.
  • Instant Answers: It responds to our questions or prompts in seconds.

These are examples of predictive AI (anticipating your behavior based on your data) and generative AI (creating responses or content based on your inputs).

It sounds great, right? But AI isn’t perfect.

When AI Gets It Wrong

AI can produce incorrect or biased results due to flaws in its programming. For example, a married couple might apply for the same loan with identical financial details, yet only the male partner gets approved. Why? This could be due to bias in the algorithm—the "recipe" behind AI's decision-making—which may not account for traits equally across genders.

Bias in AI reflects the limitations of the data or perspective used to create it, making fairness a critical issue.

Protecting Your Privacy

Another essential aspect of AI is data privacy. AI collects and uses your data, often without your full awareness. While this can make life more convenient, it also creates risks if that data falls into the wrong hands.

The Takeaway: Understanding AI to Empower Yourself

AI is woven into the fabric of modern life, shaping how we work, communicate, and make decisions. By understanding how it works, you can:

  • Maximize opportunities: Use AI for job searches, managing businesses, or addressing health challenges.
  • Stay safe: Protect your data and navigate AI tools wisely.

Now is the time to learn about AI—not just to use it effectively, but also to ensure it works for you and protects your interests.

How Casinos Use AI

By Susan Gonzales on 11/21/2024 @ 08:24 AM

AI and Casinos - Understanding AI in everyday life and improving your AI literacy will shed light on how we interact with AI everywhere, including casinos. Casinos leverage AI to enhance operations, improve customer experiences, ensure security, and maximize profits.

Some highlights include Personalized Customer Experience, in which AI analyzes players' preferences, spending habits, and gameplay patterns to provide personalized offers, such as bonuses, free play, or tailored experiences.

Fraud Detection and Security leverages AI to prevent cheating by analyzing video surveillance and game data to detect suspicious activities like card counting or collusion among players. AI also allows casinos to identify underaged gamblers.

Facial Recognition: AI-enhanced cameras can identify known cheaters or individuals banned from the premises.

Casinos also use for Customer Support by using Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, answering questions about promotions, reservations, or gaming rules.

As you can see, a casino experience is filled with AI.

Do You Know an Artist, Musician, Graphic Designer, or Video Producer?

By Susan Gonzales on 11/18/2024 @ 05:38 AM

AI and Creatives - Most of us have artists, graphic artists, musicians, and other creatives in our family or close circle of friends. Now is a great time for the creative community to explore new AI tools. The purpose is to understand the opportunities and challenges as you navigate a new world of artificial intelligence with direct implications to the creative world. AI literacy will create a more balanced experience for old and new creatives.

Creatives, almost more than any other population, are impacted by AI virtually everyday. New Generative AI tools can mimic many outputs as human creators. Jobs will be created, impacted and replaced with these new Generative AI tools. I’ve had this conversation with my creative friends. The creatives I know are apprehensive about exploring new Generative AI tools and prefer to keep a distance. But, by doing so they will not have a basic understanding of the technology before deciding to avoid it. At very least, creatives can explore new Generative AI tools and make an informed decision about the technology.

"To all the creatives out there, I encourage you to rethink what business you are in and how you can evolve with AI."

I think you are in the business of creating. Be it art, stories, or something else imaginative, you are a creator in the business of creating.

"Like humans, AI has faults. If you’ve ever tried one of the best AI image generators, you already know that they don’t always come out as expected, or even usable."

To learn more about the ongoing conversation that inspired this blog, check out this article from Tom’s Guide.

AI and Outdoor Activity

By Susan Gonzales on 11/15/2024 @ 06:39 AM

AI and Outdoor Activity - There are several exercise apps, but I use Strava, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance user experience and data analysis in several key areas. Understanding how exercise apps work is part of AI literacy. The more we know and share, the more we can use AI safely.

1. Athlete Intelligence

Strava's "Athlete Intelligence" is an AI-powered feature that provides personalized insights based on users' activity data. It analyzes workout metrics—such as pace, heart rate, elevation, and power—and translates them into simple, personalized insights and guidance. This helps athletes of all levels understand their performance and progress. This feature offers summaries immediately after uploading activities like runs, rides, walks, or hikes. It is very helpful if you are trying to improve your outdoor activity.

2. Leaderboard Integrity

To maintain fair competition on its platform, Strava employs AI to detect and flag suspicious activities that may distort Segment and Challenge leaderboards. By training machine learning models on millions of activities, Strava can identify and address potential instances of data manipulation or inaccuracies, ensuring a level playing field for all users. This is helpful for those seeking a competitive edge. Not me. I'm just having a good time outdoors!

3. Route Suggestions

Strava utilizes AI and machine learning to suggest routes to users based on their preferences and activity history. By analyzing the vast amount of data shared by its community, Strava can recommend personalized routes, helping users discover new paths and optimize their training sessions.

Through these AI-driven features, Strava aims to provide a more personalized, fair, and engaging experience for its global community of athletes and anyone looking for some outdoor fun.

To learn more about Strava and features, visit www.strava.com/features.

Keeping Up with the Evolution of AI

By Susan Gonzales on 11/11/2024 @ 07:05 AM

AI and AGI - You may have heard that the new U.S. Administration is expected to move quickly on AGI. What is AGI? Essentially, AGI is what we have seen in Sci-fi movies where robots interact with humans in daily life.

Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a field of AI research that aims to create software that can learn, think, and understand like a human. Generalization: AGI can apply knowledge and skills learned in one area to other areas, allowing it to adapt to new situations. Common sense: AGI has a large amount of knowledge about the world, including facts, relationships, and social norms. Learning: AGI can learn from experiences and apply that knowledge to new situations. Problem-solving: AGI can solve problems, reason, understand language, and use common sense.

AGI differs from other types of AI because it can perform tasks it wasn't explicitly trained or developed to accomplish. AGI requires AI systems to interact physically with the external environment. For example, an AGI-powered self-driving car might analyze traffic congestion from other vehicles instead of following pre-programmed instructions.

"As we are on the brink of these potential breakthroughs, we must assess whether we are truly ready for this transformation. Ready or not, if these predictions are correct, a fundamentally new world will soon arrive."

"A child born today could enter kindergarten in a world transformed by AGI. Will AI caregivers be far behind? Suddenly, the futuristic vision from Kazuo Ishiguro in “Klara and the Sun” of an android artificial friend for those children when they reach their teenage years does not seem so farfetched. The prospect of AI companions and caregivers suggests a world with profound ethical and societal shifts, one that might challenge our existing frameworks."

The idea of AGI being introduced to a world where most people don't understand AI basics sounds like a frightening outcome. AI literacy today will create a foundation of knowledge for everyone before we enter a world with AGI.

To learn more about the ongoing conversation that inspired this blog, check out this article from VentureBeat.