As Maginative reported last week, Google today officially renamed its AI chatbot Bard as simply "Gemini" to reflect the advanced technology powering the latest iterations of the system. Alongside the rebranding, Google unveiled Gemini Advanced - a new tier which incorporates Google's largest AI model Ultra 1.0 - as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS to provide expanded access to Gemini.
Gemini Advanced represents a significant upgrade in capabilities through integration of Ultra 1.0, Google's most capable AI model to date. In blind evaluations, Gemini Advanced was the most preferred conversational AI compared to leading competitors.
Gemini Ultra brings advanced levels of reasoning, allowing for more nuanced and contextual conversations. Potential use cases highlighted by Google include personalized tutoring, advanced coding assistance, and content ideation for digital creators.
Access to Gemini Advanced is being provided through a new $19.99 per month Google One AI Premium subscription, which also bundles Google One's additional storage and other AI features. Google says AI Premium subscribers will soon be able to use Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets and more (formerly known as Duet AI). Importantly, Gemini Advanced is not available for Google work accounts as yet.
The launch of mobile apps for both Android and iOS also aims to make Gemini easily accessible for users from their phones. On Android, Gemini can be activated through Google Assistant using voice commands or screen gestures. On iOS, Gemini will be available directly within the Google app.
Google says the mobile apps represent just a building block in constructing a multi-modal AI assistant that goes beyond text conversations. The company envisions Gemini seamlessly integrating with other phone functions like cameras and smart home devices.
The raft of announcements reflects Google's aggressive push to bring advanced AI capabilities into its consumer products and to catch up to Microsoft. Gemini Advanced and the mobile apps are launching first in the US in English and will continue expanding globally and adding language support over time.