Tap Google’s Gemini AI through ScarletApps

Perhaps you’ve heard about the ChatGPT capabilities that are integrated into Microsoft’s Copilot chatbot. But what happens if you prefer using the tools available through your ScarletApps account?

You’re in luck—ScarletApps includes access to Google Gemini, which has several Google-developed AI models suited to a variety of tasks.

Which model should you choose? It all depends on what you’re trying to do, says Aaron Richton, an application developer within the Office of Information Technology who is part of the team responsible for administering and maintaining ScarletApps.

Each Gemini model is designed for different use cases, with its Flash model prioritizing quick answers and its Thinking and Pro models providing multi-step reasoning and more contextual answers or even allowing a personalized AI-tutor, Aaron explained.

Similar to Copilot chat, you’ll want to sign in with your Rutgers account to get more data protection, and you’re permitted more queries per day, he added.

“Through your Rutgers account, your chats won’t be used to train Google’s models, which is better protection than what’s available through commercial Gmail,” Aaron said. “Even with no paid subscription, Rutgers students and employees have access to Education Fundamentals, and those limits and protections are higher than a commercial Gmail account.”

To access Gemini, simply log into your ScarletApps account, and select Gemini from the Google Apps menu. You can also visit gemini.google.com and sign in with your ScarletsApps account there.

Once you’ve logged in:

• Look for a dropdown menu in the bottom right corner of the chatbot window
• Click the menu to choose your model. Flash will provide quicker, more straightforward responses, whereas Thinking and Pro models will use more advanced reasoning.
• The Pro model is specifically built for large amounts of data, making it suited for deeper analysis or higher-resource computing.
• The ScarletApps license only permits a certain number of Thinking and Pro queries per day, so use these options wisely.
• You can also use the plus icon in the left corner the chat window to access more features, like image creation, file uploads or Gemini Guided Learning mode.
• Gemini Guided Learning mode will explain topics and concepts, and ask questions to test your understanding.
• Looking for additional utilities? A subscription to Google AI Pro for Education includes higher limits on AI-enhanced features, more queries per day, and additional features for Google’s Gemini Notebook (previously NotebookLM).