- Google’s short-lived Bard service has been replaced by its AI chatbot, Gemini.
Bard, which debuted in December, was hailed as a rival to chatbots such as ChatGPT, but demos showed it to be unimpressive. Employees at Google even criticized CEO Sundar Pichai and labeled the rollout as “botched.”
Google claims that Gemini, the company’s rebranding model for natural conversations, is the “most capable family of models.” There are two new experiences coming out: Gemini Advanced and a mobile app.
Access to Ultra 1.0, which Google describes as their “largest and most capable state-of-the-art AI model,” is made possible by Gemini Advanced. Third-party raters in blind evaluations found that for sophisticated tasks like coding, logical thinking, and creative cooperation, Gemini Advanced with Ultra 1.0 was superior to the alternatives.
The AI may create customized lessons and tests to act as a tutor. More complex code issues are assisted for developers. Gemini Advanced is intended to inspire creativity and help producers plan strategies for expanding their fan bases.
With time, Google intends to add more special features to Gemini Advanced, including deeper data analysis, interactive coding, and broader multimodal interactions. More than 150 nations are currently supported by the service in English, and more languages will be added soon.
The new .99 (£18.99) a month Google One AI Premium Plan, which includes a free two-month trial, gives users access to Gemini Advanced. Subscribers receive 2TB of storage from the current Premium plan in addition to the most recent developments in Google AI.
Before launching, Google says Gemini Advanced passed rigorous safety and trust tests, including external assessments, to address concerns about biased and dangerous material. A technical report that has been updated has more information (PDF).
Finally, to enable users to access essential Gemini functions while on the road, Google released new mobile apps for iOS and Android. While out and about, users can ask for assistance with chores, photos, and more. The goal is for Gemini to develop into a genuine personal AI helper over time.
The Gemini mobile apps, which initially supported English chats, are now accessible in the US as a separate Android app and in the Google app for iOS. The apps go live in Korea and Japan the next week, and then they launch in additional nations and languages.
