Google announced a major revamp of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot Bard, rebranding the technology as Google Gemini.
The new name reflects the underlying AI model that powers the chatbot, and marks a significant step in Google’s efforts to compete in the AI assistant space, where it faces rivals like OpenAI‘s ChatGPT.
Bridging Users with Cutting-Edge AI Technology
Gemini, the successor to Bard, now bears the same name as the family of AI models that form the backbone of the chatbot.
This change is intended to “help users understand that they’re interacting directly with an AI model and to build a truly intelligent AI assistant,” according to Sissie Hsiao, general manager of Google Assistant and Bard.
Gemini: Easy Access and Beyond Chat
The new Gemini app is available for Android users and accessible through the Google app for iOS users.
Gemini represents Google’s move towards “AI agents”—tools that go beyond chat assistance to include programming assistants and other productivity tools.
Google’s Commitment to the Future of AI Assistants
As reported by CNBC, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai recently highlighted Google’s AI ambitions during the company’s January 30th earnings call.
He expressed his desire to create AI agents that can handle more user tasks, including within Google Search.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he expressed confidence in achieving this goal. CEOs of Microsoft and Amazon have also made similar commitments, with both companies actively developing AI agents.
Gemini Ultra: Exclusive Access for Premium Users
Google is also offering a new subscription option for users who want access to Gemini Ultra 1.0, Google’s most powerful AI model.
Google One subscribers are eligible for access to the feature, which comes with a monthly cost of $19.99.
Existing subscribers with previous storage plans will retain their storage upon subscribing to this feature. However, a two-month free trial is also available.
Gemini: Broad Reach and Language Expansion
Gemini’s launch is currently limited to English in over 150 countries and territories. Google plans to add Japanese and Korean soon, with other languages to follow in the future.
Taking AI to the Next Level of Productivity
The name change also affects Duet AI, Google’s term for “packaged AI agents” within Google Workspace and Google Cloud.
These AI agents, designed to boost productivity and handle simple tasks, were implemented by clients such as Wayfair, General Electric (GE), Spotify, and Pfizer.
The tools are now being rebranded as Gemini for Google Workspace and Gemini for Google Cloud.
Intelligent Integration with Google Apps
Currently, Google One subscribers with an AI subscription will also have access to Gemini assistant capabilities in Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Meet.
Google also plans to integrate more user context from Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Drive content into Gemini. This will allow the AI assistant to provide more relevant suggestions based on the user’s email and document history.
The Future of AI Agents: Proactive and All-Round
Google’s vision is to build AI agents that can do much more, such as scheduling meetings, booking travel and activities, buying gifts, and even performing certain job functions.
While currently limited to tasks like summarizing information, creating to-do lists, and helping to write code, Gemini has the potential to become a proactive and all-round AI assistant in the future.
With this move, Google looks set to be a major player in the race to define the future of AI assistants. Will Gemini become the intelligent and helpful AI assistant of the future?
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