Google has introduced its AI chatbot, Gemini, as a replacement for its short-lived Bard service.
Initially unveiled in December, Bard was positioned as a competitor to chatbots like ChatGPT but failed to impress in demonstrations. The launch was criticized by Google staff as “botched,” with CEO Sundar Pichai facing particular scrutiny.
Now rebranded as Gemini, Google positions it as the company’s most capable family of models for natural conversations. Gemini offers two experiences: Gemini Advanced and a mobile app.
Gemini Advanced provides access to Ultra 1.0, Google’s largest and most advanced AI model to date. In blind evaluations, third-party raters preferred Gemini Advanced with Ultra 1.0 for complex tasks like coding, logical reasoning, and creative collaboration.
The AI can act as a tutor, creating personalized lessons and quizzes, and assisting developers with challenging coding problems. Gemini Advanced is designed to inspire ideas and strategize ways for creators to expand their audiences.
Google plans to enhance Gemini Advanced over time with exclusive features such as expanded multimodal interactions, interactive coding, deeper data analysis, and more language support. Currently available in over 150 countries in English, additional languages will be added soon.
Access to Gemini Advanced is offered through a new $19.99 (£18.99) per month Google One AI Premium Plan, which includes a free two-month trial. Subscribers also receive the latest Google AI advancements and 2TB of storage from the existing Premium plan.
Google asserts that Gemini Advanced underwent rigorous trust and safety checks before launch, including external reviews, to address concerns about unsafe content and bias. More details are provided in an updated technical report (PDF).
In addition to Gemini Advanced, Google has launched new mobile apps for Android and iOS, enabling users to access basic Gemini features on-the-go, such as image assistance and task support. The long-term goal is for Gemini to evolve into a comprehensive personal AI assistant.
The Gemini mobile apps are currently available in the US as a standalone app on Android and within the Google app on iOS, initially supporting English conversations. Expansion to Japan and Korea is scheduled for next week, with further countries and languages to follow.
(Image Credit: Google)
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