Google rushed out its Bard AI last year, just weeks after Microsoft's ChatGPT demo wowed the tech world. Google has made numerous changes to its large language models (LLMs), and now the company's AI product is getting a new name: Gemini. That was already the name of Google's latest LLM, but now the user-facing product is called Gemini, too.
If you try to access the Bard web interface, you'll be redirected to the new Gemini landing page. There's also a new Gemini Android app that provides access to the same features on the go. For iPhone users, you'll be able to access Gemini in an updated Google app. Google is also bundling its Duet products, previously integrated with Google Workspace, under the Gemini umbrella.
Interestingly, you can set the Gemini Android app as your default assistant app. That means Gemini will respond when you say "Hey Google" or otherwise invoke your mobile assistant. There have been suggestions that generative AI would eventually reach Assistant. Google's new unified AI branding may simply replace Assistant, and the mobile app could be the first step.
Google announced the Gemini models in late 2023, showing off with an impressive 6-minute video demo. However, Google later had to clarify the demo was not a live recording of Gemini in action. You can add that to Google's list of AI missteps, but regardless, the company claims that Gemini is the most advanced generative AI platform in the world. As such, it's not offering the best for free.
Gemini comes in different flavors, from compact LLMs for phones to the new Gemini Ultra 1.0. This is Google's largest and most capable LLM, capable of complex reasoning, following instructions, writing code, and creative applications. Google suggests using it as a personal tutor or a smart sounding board that you can hammer with business ideas. To access Gemini Ultra, you must pay for a higher-tier Google One plan, AI Premium. It costs $20 per month and includes all the standard Google One benefits like 2TB of Drive storage and VPN access.
If you don't pay, Gemini will use the mid-tier Gemini Pro model. If you're unsure about paying for Gemini Ultra, you can give it a shot at no cost. Google is offering two months of the AI Premium plan for free when you sign up. After that period, it goes up to the normal $20 price.
It was easy to forgive the occasional AI screw-up when Google's LLMs were free, but now it's a product that people will rightfully expect to work as advertised. Given the constant frustration we all experience with Assistant and similar "smart" platforms, it'll be interesting to see if Gemini can do any better.
