Google, renowned for its multitude of products with distinct names and seemingly no common thread, has shaken things up once again. Now, meet Gemini: the singular force driving Google’s AI endeavors into the future.
In a recent announcement, the tech giant revealed its decision to rebrand its Bard chatbot as Gemini, introducing a dedicated Gemini app for Android users. Not stopping there, Google is consolidating all its Duet AI features within Google Workspace under the Gemini banner. Plus, the unveiling of Gemini Ultra 1.0 marks a significant milestone, offering the public access to Google’s most robust language model yet.
For most users, Gemini’s mobile apps will serve as the primary gateway to this new frontier. By downloading the app on Android, you can seamlessly integrate it as your default assistant, stepping into the spotlight previously held by Google Assistant. While Assistant isn’t being phased out entirely, Google’s clear emphasis on Gemini signals a pivotal shift. Sissie Hsiao, the mastermind behind Bard at Google, envisions Gemini as a groundbreaking leap towards a more conversational, multimodal, and helpful AI assistant.
It’s not just a rebranding; it’s a step towards an AI-driven future where Gemini reigns supreme.
Image: Google
There isn’t a dedicated Gemini app available for iOS, and setting a non-Siri assistant as the default isn’t an option either. However, all the AI features are accessible through the Google app. To highlight the significance of Gemini to Google, there will be a toggle at the top of the app allowing users to switch from Search to Gemini. Throughout Google’s history, Search has reigned supreme as the most crucial product by far. Now, with the introduction of Gemini, it’s suggesting that Gemini might hold equal importance.
Regarding other changes to Gemini, most are merely branding adjustments. Google is retiring the Bard name, but the functionality of its chatbot remains the same. Similarly, the AI features within Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Docs, formerly known as “Duet AI,” are now branded as Gemini. These features aid in drafting emails, organizing spreadsheets, and completing other work-related tasks.
The majority of users will utilize the standard Gemini model, referred to as Gemini Pro. Accessing Gemini Ultra, the most powerful version of the model, requires a subscription to Gemini Advanced, part of the new $20-a-month Google One AI Premium plan. Despite the confusing naming, the subscription includes 2TB of Google Drive storage and other Google One features, effectively presenting it as a $10 monthly increase for existing users. For others, $20 a month appears to be the standard rate for a top-tier AI bot, aligning with pricing for ChatGPT Plus and similar products.