Google Bard has officially been rebranded as Gemini, the tech giant's AI chatbot that now boasts a more powerful mode called "Gemini Advanced." This update comes alongside the launch of a dedicated Android app and a subscription option.
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the transition from Bard to Gemini is complete, with the previous bard.google.com URL now redirecting to gemini.google.com. This change marks a significant branding shift, as references to Bard will no longer be used.
Google's new Gemini app is now available for Android devices, while iOS users can access it through the existing Google app. Pichai emphasized that Gemini models will be integrated into everyday products for businesses, such as Google Workspace and Google Cloud, enhancing their appeal to enterprise customers. This positions Google favorably against competitors like OpenAI, which lacks similar integrated workplace solutions.
Google Workspace serves a majority of enterprises, offering essential tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar. The Gemini integration could significantly enhance Google’s AI adoption, as rival offerings struggle to match this level of functionality.
Last week, Google expanded its AI assistant capabilities to over 40 languages and more than 230 countries and territories.
Gemini Advanced: A New Contender in AI
The most notable update is the introduction of Gemini Advanced, previously referred to as "Ultra." Users will need to subscribe to Google’s new Google One AI Premium Plan ($19.99/month) to access this advanced version, mirroring OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus subscription.
Initially announced late last year, Google presented benchmarks claiming that Gemini Advanced outperforms OpenAI's GPT-4, currently the leading consumer-grade large language model (LLM). With Gemini Advanced now available, independent researchers can evaluate its performance and determine whether it surpasses or matches GPT-4 or other top models, especially following reports that prior Gemini versions, Nano and Pro, were outperformed by OpenAI's GPT-3.5 Turbo.
Pichai highlighted that Gemini Advanced has demonstrated the ability to outperform human experts on MMLU (Massive Multitask Language Understanding), which assesses knowledge across 57 subjects, including math, physics, and ethics.
Sissie Hsiao, Vice President and General Manager for Google Assistant and Bard, noted that the revamped chatbot will now feature a toggle for "Gemini Advanced," enhancing its capability for complex tasks such as coding, logical reasoning, and creative collaboration, as well as improving context understanding in conversations.
Currently, Gemini Advanced has a phased rollout, available in over 150 countries but limited to English for now.
Mobile Experience for AI Assistance
Alongside Gemini Advanced, Google is enhancing its mobile user experience with a new Gemini app for Android and integration into the Google app for iOS. Hsiao stated, "We’ve heard that you want an easier way to access Gemini on your phone." This rollout aims to streamline user interaction with Gemini, allowing for text, voice, or image inputs for assistance while on the go, like troubleshooting a flat tire or generating a dinner party invitation.
For Android users, two options will be available: a dedicated Gemini app or activation through Google Assistant. Hsiao explained that the experience is designed to be comprehensive, allowing users easy access to contextual help from anywhere.
The revamped chatbot will be integrated into the Google app for iOS, with plans to expand this mobile experience to more regions and languages in the coming weeks, including Japanese and Korean. In contrast, competitors like OpenAI and Inflection AI have already introduced mobile apps for their AI chatbots.
This launch marks a significant step forward in Google's efforts to develop a versatile and effective AI assistant.
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