Google rebrands its Bard AI chatbot to Gemini, introducing an Android app and Advanced model

Google is renaming its Bard and Duet AI services as Gemini in an effort to sync with its multimodal AI model. Alongside the name change, Google is launching a dedicated Gemini Android application and a premium version with more advanced features.

Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, explained in a blog post that the rebranding reflects the advanced technology at the core of Gemini, which is now available in 40 languages on the web, in a new Android app and through the Google app on iOS. This renaming follows a similar move by Microsoft when they rebranded Bing Chat to Copilot.

Users who download the Gemini app can set it as their default assistant, replacing Google Assistant. Gemini’s launch will introduce a new conversational overlay on displays, providing contextual suggestions such as photo descriptions or additional information about on-screen articles.

Google’s Gemini app will also support familiar Assistant functions such as making calls, setting timers, and controlling smart home devices, with further integration of Assistant features planned. This development could indicate a transition from Google Assistant to Gemini by the company. iOS users can access Gemini via the Google app.

Initially, Gemini will be accessible on Android and iOS devices in English in the US, with an extended roll-out planned in more locations and additional languages like Japanese and Korean.

Moreover, Google will debut its Ultra 1.0 AI model through Gemini Advanced, boasting the company’s most expansive and adept AI yet. This feature is promoted as providing more prolonged, context-aware and in-depth conversations. Google claims that Gemini Advanced is particularly effective at complex tasks such as coding, logical reasoning, following detailed instructions, and collaborating on creative projects.

Gemini Advanced is now available in English across 150 countries and territories. To access it, users will need to subscribe to the new Google One AI Premium Plan, which costs $20 per month after a free two-month trial. The subscription also includes features from the Google One Premium Plan such as 2TB of storage and a VPN. Subscribers will soon be able to utilize Gemini in apps like Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets, replacing Duet AI.

Google mentions it has endeavored to address issues such as bias and potentially harmful content while developing Gemini Advanced and other AI products. The company has conducted several trust and safety checks, including external ‘red-teaming’ (ethical hacking tests) on Gemini Advanced. The model was then fine-tuned and refined using reinforcement learning.