Google Launches Gemini AI Chatbot

Google has launched its AI chatbot called Gemini, which replaces its short-lived Bard service. Bard was not well-received and had failed to make an impact on its debut. The decision to introduce Gemini resulted from the underwhelming performance of Bard in demos and the criticism faced by Google for its launch. This led to rebranding and the introduction of the new and improved Gemini.

Gemini Advanced Features

• Gemini Advanced includes Ultra 1.0, which is Google’s “largest and most capable state-of-the-art AI model.”
• In blind evaluations, third-party raters preferred Gemini Advanced with Ultra 1.0 over alternatives in complex tasks like coding, logical reasoning, and creative collaboration.
• The AI can serve as a tutor by creating personalized lessons and quizzes and can assist developers with trickier coding problems.
• It is designed to spark ideas and strategize ways that creators can grow their audiences.
• Google plans to expand Gemini Advanced’s capabilities over time with exclusive features like expanded multimodal interactions, interactive coding, deeper data analysis, and more.
• The service already supports over 150 countries in English and will add more languages soon.

Accessibility

Access to Gemini Advanced is granted through a new $19.99 (£18.99) per month Google One AI Premium Plan, including a free two-month trial. Subscribers get the latest Google AI advancements plus 2TB of storage from the existing Premium plan.

Trust and Safety

Google claims Gemini Advanced underwent extensive trust and safety checks before its launch, including external reviews, to mitigate issues around unsafe content and bias. More details are available in an updated technical report (PDF).

Gemini Mobile App

Lastly, Google launched new mobile apps on Android and iOS to access basic Gemini features on-the-go. Users can ask for help with images, tasks, and more while out and about. Over time, the plan is for Gemini to become a true personal AI assistant.

Global Launch

The Gemini mobile apps are now available in the US as a dedicated app on Android and in the Google app on iOS, supporting English conversations initially. Next week, the apps expand to Japan and Korea, followed by more countries and languages thereafter.