Google Rebrands Bard as Gemini, Introduces Paid Plan and Mobile Apps
As Google continues to invest in AI and machine learning, Gemini represents a significant milestone in its quest to create more intelligent and intuitive experiences for users across its ecosystem.
Google has officially rebranded its AI chatbot Bard as "Gemini" to signify the advanced technology powering its latest iterations. Alongside this rebranding, Google has unveiled Gemini Advanced, a new tier integrating its most powerful AI model, Ultra 1.0, and introduced mobile apps for Android and iOS to broaden access to Gemini.
Gemini Advanced incorporates Google's Ultra 1.0 AI model, offering significant upgrades in capabilities. In blind evaluations, Gemini Advanced emerged as the most preferred conversational AI compared to leading competitors. With Gemini Ultra, users can expect advanced reasoning capabilities, enabling more nuanced and contextual conversations. Google highlights potential use cases such as personalized tutoring, advanced coding assistance, and content ideation for digital creators.
Gemini, powered by a suite of advanced AI models, marks Google's commitment to advancing AI assistants and agents. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, emphasized the company's dedication to AI during a recent earnings call, envisioning an AI agent capable of completing tasks on behalf of users, even within Google Search.
Sissie Hsiao, a vice president at Google, described Gemini as the first step towards building a true AI assistant. The rebranding not only signifies a new era for Google's AI initiatives but also aims to help users understand that they are interacting directly with cutting-edge AI models.
Google is offering a two-month trial of Gemini Advanced at no cost. Subsequently, access to Gemini Advanced requires a subscription to the Google One AI Premium plan priced at $19.99 per month. This subscription also includes additional Google One storage and other AI features. Subscribers can anticipate Gemini integration into various Google products like Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and more. Notably, Gemini Advanced is currently not available for Google work accounts.
The launch of mobile apps for both Android and iOS aim to enhance accessibility to Gemini for users on their smartphones. On Android, users can activate Gemini through Google Assistant using voice commands or screen gestures. On iOS, Gemini will be directly accessible within the Google app.
Google envisions Gemini seamlessly integrating with various phone functions beyond text conversations, including cameras and smart home devices. The mobile apps are just the beginning of Google's efforts to build a multi-modal AI assistant.
Gemini Advanced and the mobile apps are initially launching in the US in English. However, Google plans to expand globally and add language support over time, reflecting its commitment to bringing advanced AI capabilities to a broader audience.
These announcements underscore Google's aggressive pursuit of advanced AI integration in its consumer products, positioning itself to rival competitors like Microsoft in the AI space.
