[category]
[title]
For a city that’s all about speed and getting things done, it’s surprising how limited access has been to many leading Western AI tools here. But it looks as though that’s finally changing, as Google has released its Gemini chatbot to Hong Kong users with no VPN or workaround required. The uptake has been swift, with the Gemini app climbing to the top of App Store charts just days after the drop.
With Gemini gradually becoming available to everyone, folks will be able to make use of the versatile AI model to help with everyday tasks, whether it’s to help draft up an email, brainstorming ideas, generate images, plan a family trip, or just ask those random questions that float around in your brain.
“We believe expanding the Gemini experience will drive more creativity and productivity for the city, and help achieve our commitment of ‘advancing Hong Kong, together’,” says Michael Yue, managing director and general manager of Google Hong Kong. “Going forward, we will continue to responsibly build a full-stack AI ecosystem, making AI more helpful for everyone.”
The standard version of Gemini is completely free. But for deeper features – like longer context, faster responses, advanced image and video generation, and tighter integration across Google apps – you’ll need a Google One AI subscription. Global pricing currently hovers around the US$20/month mark for the Pro tier, with local HKD equivalents expected to land similarly once fully live.
Hong Kong’s AI options have been somewhat patchy for a while now. We have access to tools like Grok, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity, but other major models, mainly ChatGPT and Claude, are completely blocked, leading many locals to turn to aggregators like Poe, or more accessible Chinese AI chatbots like DeepSeek, Doubao, and Yuanbao – which come with its own set of issues due to Chinese censorship.
To check if Gemini is ready for you, visit gemini.google.com and sign in. Hong Kong’s tech scene moves fast, and with Google finally bringing its AI assistant to the city, the move could be the push other players need to follow suit.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox
Recommended stories:
Hong Kong craft brewery H.K. Lovecraft is closing after eight years
M+ Shop celebrates Art March with artist collabs and a series dedicated to Hong Kong culture
Bangkok’s ThongSmith brings its famous boat noodles to Hong Kong