In a strategic move, Google has reorganized its AI offerings under the brand name Gemini, replacing its previous chatbot Bard with the more advanced language model Gemini. This repositioning highlights Google’s determination to maintain a leading role in the global AI race, particularly against competitors like Microsoft. The introduction of AI apps for smartphones and a subscription-based version of the chatbot represents the next step in this ambitious strategy.
What’s New with Gemini?
Users in the USA can now access Gemini on their smartphones, with a dedicated app available for Android users and an integration into the existing Google app forthcoming for iPhone users. Notably, the advanced language model Gemini Ultra 1.0 is exclusively available to subscribers of the premium version, Gemini Advanced. This subscription costs around ten dollars a month, with total access to Google’s latest language model priced at twenty dollars per month.
Integration into Existing Services and Market Implications
Google plans to integrate its AI assistants into more services like Gmail, Docs, and Sheets, where Gemini will replace Duet AI. This development is crucial as it underscores Google’s efforts to catch up with competitors like Microsoft and its partner OpenAI. Additionally, Google is experimenting with its Gemini models in the search business to offer an alternative to the traditional Google search. In the long term, this could lead to a redesign of the central search interface, providing AI-generated answers ahead of the usual list of ads and links.
What Can Gemini Do?
Gemini Advanced is particularly adept at handling complex tasks, outperforming other models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 in industry benchmarks such as the MMLU test. As a multimodal model capable of understanding and processing text, images, and audio, Gemini is especially suited for generating images and processing handwritten inputs.
When Will the Services Be Available in Germany?
While the Gemini apps will initially not be available in Europe, Google plans a phased global rollout. The availability of Gemini Advanced in 150 English-speaking countries is a first step, with German set to follow as a supported language. Despite the rebranding of the AI chatbot Bard to Gemini and the introduction of the corresponding language model, many of the new features are not yet available in Germany, attributed to regulatory hurdles.
The reorganization under the Gemini brand underscores Google’s commitment to leading in AI development and offering a comprehensive, integrated ecosystem of AI services. With this initiative, Google not only faces the competition but also defines the future of artificial intelligence.
