Following Microsoft’s lead with Bing Chat and Copilot, Google streamlines its AI offerings under the single name Gemini, replacing Bard and Duet AI. This reflects the technology’s core, the multimodal AI model of the same name.
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The change, leaked earlier this month, comes alongside two key announcements: a dedicated Gemini app on Android and a paid “Advanced” version offering enhanced capabilities.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai explains, “Bard has been the entry point for our most powerful models. Now, reflecting its advanced tech, it becomes Gemini.” This web-based service expands to a new Android app and integrates into the iOS Google app.
The Android app notably allows replacing Google Assistant by long-pressing the home button or invoking “Hey Google.” An overlay provides contextual suggestions and quick Gemini access, while retaining core Assistant features like calls and smart home control. This hints at a potential Assistant phase-out in favour of Gemini.
iOS users access Gemini through the Google app’s toggle. Both platforms initially offer it in English (US), expanding to more locales and languages soon.
Crucially, Google introduces “Gemini Advanced,” powered by their largest AI model, Ultra 1.0. This boasts deeper, context-aware conversations and excels in complex tasks like coding and creative collaboration. Available in English across 150 regions, it requires a subscription ($20 monthly) via the new Google One AI Premium Plan. This plan includes premium storage, VPN, and future integration with Gmail, Docs, and Slides (replacing Duet AI).
Google emphasizes extensive safety and bias mitigation efforts in building Gemini Advanced, including external ethical hacking, before refining it through reinforcement learning.
This consolidated, tiered approach positions Gemini as Google’s central AI interface, offering both basic and advanced functionalities under a single brand. Its integration with various apps and potential Assistant replacement point towards a significant shift in Google’s AI strategy.
