Google Renames Bard AI Chatbot to Gemini and Launches Dedicated Android App

Microsoft recently rebranded Bing Chat as Copilot to unify its generative AI branding. Following suit, Google has renamed Bard and Duet AI to Gemini, named after its multimodal AI model. Along with this name change, Google has introduced a dedicated Gemini Android app and a premium chatbot version with enhanced features.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated, "Bard has been the best way for people to directly experience our most capable models. To reflect the advanced tech at its core, Bard will now simply be called Gemini." The service is available in 40 languages on the web and is being integrated into a new Gemini app on Android and the Google app on iOS.

Those who download the Gemini Android app can set it as the default assistant on their devices, allowing users to access it by long-pressing the home button or saying "Hey Google." This transition introduces a conversational overlay on the display, providing contextual suggestions such as generating descriptions for new photos or seeking information about on-screen articles. Users will retain access to popular Assistant features, including calls, timers, and smart home controls, with plans for more Assistant functionalities to be integrated into Gemini in the future, indicating a gradual phase-out of Assistant.

While a dedicated Gemini app for iOS is not currently available, users can access it through the Google app by selecting the Gemini toggle. Starting today, Gemini is accessible on Android and iOS in English in the US, with plans to expand support to more regions and languages, including Japanese and Korean, in the upcoming weeks.

Additionally, Google has launched its most advanced AI model, Ultra 1.0, through Gemini Advanced, capable of longer, more nuanced conversations and improved context recall. Equipped for complex tasks like coding, logical reasoning, and creative collaboration, Gemini Advanced is now available in English across 150 countries and territories. To access it, users must subscribe to the new Google One AI Premium Plan for $20 per month after a two-month free trial. This plan includes 2TB of storage, a VPN, and the ability to utilize Gemini in various apps such as Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets.

Google emphasizes its commitment to safety and ethical standards in AI development, stating it has conducted extensive trust and safety evaluations, including external testing, before refining Gemini Advanced using reinforcement learning.