After the recent rumors, the official announcement has now arrived: Bard, Google’s AI chatbot, becomes Gemini. And the name is not the only news announced by the Mountain View giant in these hours. About a year after the official debut, the time has come a new chapterto offer users a more capable model called Pro 1.0. But that is not all.
Bard becomes Gemini: a paid version and Android app also available
The paid version of the AI-based chatbot is called Advanced and allows users to rely on what is currently the largest and most capable model, Ultra 1.0. Gemini Advanced, explains Sissie Hsiao (VP, Product) in the press release, is so powerful that it can manage even the most complex tasks without difficultysuch as those related to planning, logical reasoning and collaboration on creative projects.
In addition, this enhanced version of the chatbot can support longer and more complex conversations, also passing through the understanding of previous requests. For example, it could be exploited by digital creators to create up-to-date content by analyzing current trends and studying a strategy to reach a wider audience.
«Ultra 1.0, the largest model, is the first to outperform human experts in the MMLU (massive multitask language understanding) test, which uses a combination of 57 topics – including mathematics, physics, history, law, medicine and ethics – to test knowledge and problem-solving skills», said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google.
Like other companies active in the AI sector, Google has also decided to make the advanced version of its chatbot usable only through a subscription. Gemini Advanced, in fact, requires subscription to the One AI Premium plan with a monthly cost of 21.99 euros. This also includes other advantages, such as 2TB of storage space and (in the future) the possibility of using Gemini in other Big G services, such as Gmail and Documents.
For all new subscribers, the first two months are free.
Google Gemini on Android and iOS devices
Just like ChatGPT and Copilot, Gemini also has its own standalone app for smartphones and tablets. Indeed, to be more precise, this news only concerns Android, because on iPhone and iPad the AI chatbot is integrated into the Google app.
With regard to Androidonce the app has been downloaded (currently being released, it will also be available in Europe), Gemini will become themain assistant of the smartphone (or tablet). To recall it, you can also use Google Assistant access points, such as the power button or the voice command “Hey Google”.
On mobile devices, Gemini offers contextual help on the screen. For example, you will be able to add a caption to a photo you have just taken, or answer a question regarding an article that the user is reading at that moment on the Android device.
For a use that we could define as more traditional, just open the app and start the conversation with the chatbot. In short, as millions of users have been doing for a year now via web browser on PC.
Even those who have a iPhone you will be able to talk to Gemini, but only via the Google app. According to what is written in the press release, the same features expected for Android should not be available, such as the aforementioned contextual help.