Global technology leader, Google, has unveiled a significant update today, announcing the rebranding of its AI chatbot, Bard, to Gemini. This change is more than cosmetic; it signifies a deeper alignment with the sophisticated technology that underpins the platform. The chatbot is powered by a Large Language Model (LLM) known as Gemini, and the new name is a nod to the advanced technology core that drives the AI’s capabilities.
Since its introduction last year, what was known as Google Bard has seen continuous refinement and enhancement through multiple updates and upgrades. The Gemini model, which fuels the chatbot, is available in three variants: Gemini Nano, Gemini Pro, and Gemini Ultra, each tailored to different scales and types of tasks. Notably, a streamlined version of Gemini Pro is what powers the chatbot, ensuring a balance between performance and resource efficiency.
In tandem with this rebranding initiative, Google is also launching new applications for Android users starting today, named Gemini and Gemini Advanced. Additionally, these will be accessible through the Google app on iOS devices. Users can easily engage with the AI chatbot by activating the Gemini feature, which can be found at the top of the Google app interface. This rollout marks a significant milestone in making advanced AI chatbot capabilities more accessible to users across various platforms.
With this update, users can engage in conversations with Gemini utilizing the Pro 1.0 model, which now supports over 40 languages and is accessible in more than 230 countries and territories worldwide. Additionally, a variety of Google Assistant’s voice-activated features are seamlessly integrated into the Gemini app. Users can enjoy the convenience of setting timers, making phone calls, and managing smart home gadgets directly through the app.
The Gemini app is available for download on the Google Play Store for Android users. Furthermore, users have the option to integrate Gemini’s capabilities into their Google Assistant experience. By opting in through Google Assistant, they can invoke Gemini’s assistance within the app or through any usual Google Assistant activation method.
This includes pressing the power button, swiping from the corner of the screen, or simply using the voice command “Hey Google.” This integration ensures that the advanced functionalities of Gemini are readily accessible, enhancing the overall user experience with seamless, voice-activated interactions.
For instance, a long press of the power button now activates Gemini directly over your screen, presenting users with the option to interact through voice commands or by typing out their queries. The statement also highlighted that numerous features traditionally associated with Google Assistant, such as setting timers, making calls, and managing smart home devices, are integrated within the Gemini app for a seamless user experience.
Gemini transforms your smartphone into a versatile assistant capable of understanding typed, spoken, or visual input for a wide array of requests while on the move. Whether it’s snapping a photo of a flat tire to seek repair advice, creating a custom image for a dinner party invitation, or drafting a complex text message, Gemini is designed to be your go-to AI companion.
This marks a significant advancement towards creating a truly comprehensive AI assistant that is conversational, multimodal, and genuinely useful in everyday scenarios.
Sissie Hsiao, Vice President and General Manager of Gemini Experiences (previously referred to as Bard) and Google Assistant, emphasized the ongoing evolution of Gemini. She stated, “Gemini is becoming more than just an AI model.” Under her guidance, Google is committed to pioneering developments in AI, aiming to make these technologies more accessible and beneficial for people everywhere.
“Gemini is at the heart of an expansive ecosystem, encompassing the products used daily by billions, alongside the APIs and platforms that empower developers and businesses to innovate. These recent updates showcase our bold approach to innovation, as we strive to advance and deploy this technology with responsibility,” she adds.
New Gemini advanced
In addition to the standard offerings, Google unveiled a superior iteration known as Gemini Advanced, powered by the Ultra 1.0 model. Sissie Hsiao highlighted that this version boasts enhanced functionalities, excelling in reasoning, following complex instructions, coding tasks, and fostering creative collaboration. Access to Gemini Advanced is available to anyone who subscribes to the newly introduced Google One AI Premium plan, opening the door to a higher level of AI interaction and productivity tools.
Google has also introduced a new premium subscription option, the Google One AI Premium Plan. This plan offers subscribers privileged access to Gemini Advanced, positioning it as Google’s counterpart to services similar to ChatGPT Plus. For a monthly fee of $19.99, subscribers not only gain access to the Ultra 1.0 model but also receive 2TB of cloud storage, along with early access to the latest features and advancements from Google.
Furthermore, subscribers to the AI Premium Plan will soon find Gemini’s capabilities integrated within Google’s suite of productivity tools, including Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets, an enhancement previously known as Duet AI.
Starting today, Google is initiating the rollout of Gemini for Android and iOS devices in the United States, with English as the initial language offering. The availability is set to expand fully over the coming weeks. Additionally, Google has plans to extend Gemini’s accessibility to more regions in English, as well as in Japanese and Korean languages, beginning from next week, with further expansions to include additional countries and languages on the horizon.
