Google, known for its vast array of products with different names, has recently made a significant move in its AI endeavors. The tech giant announced that it is rebranding its Bard chatbot as Gemini and introducing a dedicated app for Android. Additionally, Google is merging all its Duet AI features in Google Workspace under the Gemini brand. The company also revealed the release of Gemini Ultra 1.0, its most advanced language model, to the public.
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To experience the new tool, users can download the app on Android and set it as their default assistant, replacing Google Assistant. While Google has not indicated any plans to eliminate Assistant entirely, it has been shifting its focus towards the AI app, signaling its belief in the future of this AI technology. Sissie Hsiao, the head of Bard (now Gemini) at Google, describes this move as a crucial step towards building a truly conversational and helpful AI assistant.
While there is no dedicated AI app for iOS, users can access all the AI features through the Google app. Notably, Google has placed a toggle at the top of the app, allowing users to switch from Search to Gemini. This highlights the growing importance of the AI app within Google’s product ecosystem, where Search has traditionally held the utmost significance.
Apart from the rebranding, most of the changes to the new name are cosmetic. The chatbot, as well as the AI features in Google’s Workspace apps, will retain their functionality while being associated with the Gemini name. These features assist users in tasks such as drafting emails, organizing spreadsheets, and other work-related activities.
The majority of users will utilize the standard version of the Gemini model, known as Gemini Pro. However, for those seeking the most powerful version, Gemini Ultra, a Gemini Advanced subscription is required. This subscription is part of the new Google One AI Premium plan, priced at $20 per month. Alongside Ultra, subscribers receive 2TB of Google Drive storage and other Google One benefits.
According to Hsiao, Gemini Ultra sets new benchmarks across various domains, including text, image, audio, and video. This advanced model can handle more context, engage in longer conversations, and excel in complex tasks such as coding and logical reasoning. Google’s commitment to Gemini demonstrates its determination to compete with other powerful AI competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity.
While Google has previously placed bets on various projects, such as Google Plus, this time the company appears fully committed to its AI endeavors. The success of the AI app is crucial for Google’s ability to build a compelling consumer product and entice developers to work with Gemini instead of competitors like OpenAI.
In conclusion, Google’s rebranding of Bard to Gemini and its focus on AI technology signify the company’s dedication to becoming a leader in the field. With the introduction of the Gemini app, the merging of Duet AI features, and the release of Gemini Ultra, Google aims to provide users with a conversational and powerful AI assistant. As Gemini continues to evolve, it has the potential to become just as significant as Google itself.
