I used Gemini Live instead of the IKEA manual and it worked better

Gemini Live is fascinating to use every time, even after having shown almost everything around me on so many occasions. It’s helped me figure out what unknown things are for and even identify something random I stumbled upon mid-conversation. It has become this handy little bridge between the digital and real worlds. It has worked so well that I often find excuses to turn on Gemini Live, show him what I’m seeing, and ask questions.

My latest discovery of how useful Gemini Live can be came while assembling IKEA furniture. I was able to show him what I was putting together and he helped me figure out where each piece went, like a knowledgeable friend who is always available for any kind of help.

I often remember a meme I saw years ago about sending cake ingredients to retired IKEA executives so they could assemble the cake themselves.

That’s IKEA in a nutshell. Impressively packing your largest furniture into the smallest boxes possible, delivering it all dismantled, each piece made to fit in one place, along with an extensive instruction manual so you can figure it all out.

I’m a bit of a nerd with these things. I usually study the manual carefully before assembling anything and then follow the instructions meticulously. I’ve had more success, but I often have specific questions (like which direction a drawer rail is supposed to face) that the manual doesn’t answer. And that’s where I need someone to talk to.

I have no complaints about IKEA manuals; They are as detailed as possible and give you everything you need. If you wanted to add an AI element, you could pop a digital version of the manual into NotebookLM for instant responses. But even that would limit the scope of the manual itself and, more importantly, wouldn’t allow the AI ​​to see what I’m doing, understand exactly where I went wrong, or suggest alternative solutions.

That’s where Gemini Live comes in, and I really think it’s the perfect assembly partner for IKEA furniture. I don’t need to write down my confusion or my mistakes, which are often too human and chaotic to describe; I can just show what I’m working on.

Assembling IKEA furniture on your own is an exhausting task. It’s like facing a thousand-piece Lego game in which each step must be followed precisely. One poorly placed piece and you’ll end up with a leaning cabinet or realize your mistake near the end, forcing you to take the whole thing apart.

When I was putting together a dresser, I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of pieces. Even before I started, just going through the steps was exhausting for me. So I decided to try it with the help of Gemini.

I pointed the camera at the pieces scattered on the floor (fortunately, it couldn’t scan my overwhelmed mind) and showed him the first steps of the manual. First he helped me sort the pieces into piles and then we started building together. This time, with a little less mental chaos and a lot more clarity at the workstation (okay, floor).

The bookshelf turned out great with the help of Gemini Live. Otherwise, it would have required much more time, effort, and careful study of the manual, something I hope I never need again.

Another time, I was stuck (pun intended) with a wall-mounted bathroom shelf that was hanging from suction cups that wouldn’t stick. I didn’t know what type they were, so I showed them to Gemini Live. It identified them instantly and helped me get a better grip on a textured wall where they kept falling.

Writing down every detail of that problem (and everything I had already tried) would have been a herculean task. I probably would have given up and returned the product. But with Gemini Live, I could just talk about it and try different solutions in real time. It was like a solid exchange with an expert guiding me through the process.

I wish I had found a better expert.

Gemini is not the only one who has a conversational mode; ChatGPT has had it for as long as I can remember. The only caveat is that ChatGPT can’t see your surroundings through your phone’s camera like Gemini can. If I could, I’d honestly stop using Gemini Live entirely – ChatGPT is so much better.

ChatGPT feels more grounded and thoughtful. Their answers tend to be more practical and well-reasoned. In my experience, he understands tone better, even in something as simple as writing emails, while Gemini often needs some follow-ups.

That difference also carried over to my DIY experiments. When I asked about suction cups, Gemini gave me a few suggestions, including some basic ones like “try a different location,” which kind of defeated the purpose and my intention of placing the basket in a particular spot. I ended up checking workarounds on Reddit and then asked Gemini to help me.

Although I had to describe the situation to ChatGPT in much more detail since I couldn’t see it, their advice was much more helpful. He suggested using sticky pads to level the surface for better grip, something neither I nor Gemini had thought about.

ChatGPT has also offered me equally clever advice on other home projects, such as using a tall, door-sized cavity to mount a large shelving unit, where Gemini was much less insightful.

Nevertheless, Gemini Live is a useful tool, although it would be in real trouble if its main rival ever had “eyes.” After this experience, I’d still prefer ChatGPT for something more complex than figuring out which screw goes where, even if it means over-explaining things until I learn to see the world like Gemini Live.