Google has made some significant announcements regarding its conversational tool, Bard. Firstly, Bard is now being renamed as Gemini, marking a new era for Google’s generative AI-powered assistant. Alongside the name change, Google also revealed a paid version of Gemini called Gemini Advanced.
Gemini is an opt-in default assistant on Android and has been integrated into the iOS Google App. It will replace Duet AI and expand its presence in various Google products such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and more. This move signals Google’s commitment to reshaping its core products, including Search.
The name change from Bard to Gemini aims to simplify things for users and make it clear that they are engaging with the Gemini model. Google is building an entire ecosystem around Gemini, and the URL for accessing the tool will now be gemini.google.com instead of bard.google.com.
Google acknowledges that if users ask Gemini its name, it may still identify itself as Bard. However, the company is working to rectify this issue in the model. Additionally, Gemini will soon have its standalone app on Android, allowing users to make it their default assistant for a fully Gemini-led experience.
For those interested in more advanced capabilities, Google is offering a paid version called Gemini Advanced. This version is part of the AI Premium plan within the Google One subscription service, priced at $19.99 per month. Gemini Advanced is designed to follow nuanced instructions and understand context better. It is powered by Gemini Ultra 1.0, Google’s largest and most capable model for highly complex tasks.
Gemini Advanced is currently available in over 150 countries but only supports English. Google plans to add more languages over time. The paid version also offers exclusive multimodal, coding, and data analysis features that will be released soon.
As part of the Google One premium plan, Gemini will be integrated into various products such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. This integration will replace Duet AI and provide users with a more powerful and comprehensive assistant.
Google is offering a free two-month trial for new subscribers to experience the capabilities of Gemini. With its expansion into different products and the introduction of a paid version, Gemini is set to become an integral part of Google’s ecosystem.
Overall, Google’s introduction of Gemini as the successor to Bard signifies the company’s commitment to improving its conversational AI capabilities. Users can expect enhanced functionality, more advanced features, and a seamless experience across various Google products. The future of Google’s assistant technology looks promising as Gemini continues to evolve and reshape the way we interact with technology.
