Google Puts Bard To Bed, Launches AI Subscription Tier
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) has announced a significant evolution in its AI offerings with the full launch of Gemini, its next-generation AI model. This development marks a departure from the previous iteration of its chatbot technology, Bard, to a more integrated and expansive AI ecosystem named Gemini.
“Gemini is evolving to be more than just the models. It supports an entire ecosystem — from the products that billions of people use every day, to the APIs and platforms helping developers and businesses innovate,” Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai wrote in an announcement.
Google incorporates Gemini into Google Assistant, facilitating voice interactions with the AI model. This integration is designed to make sophisticated AI functionalities accessible to a broader audience.
“You can take a picture of your flat tire and ask for instructions, generate a custom image for your dinner party invitation or ask for help writing a difficult text message. It’s an important first step in building a true AI assistant — one that is conversational, multimodal and helpful,” Google said in a blog post.
This feature will be available to Android users through the Gemini app or by opting in through Google Assistant. iOS users will have to wait a few more weeks to get access.
With this rollout is Google’s answer to ChatGPT Plus, a paid tier for those seeking enhanced AI capabilities. Gemini Advanced, priced at $19.99 a month, gives users access to Ultra 1.0 which claims to surpass the performance of human experts in comprehensive language understanding assessments.
“With our Ultra 1.0 model, Gemini Advanced is far more capable at highly complex tasks like coding, logical reasoning, following nuanced instructions and collaborating on creative projects. Gemini Advanced not only allows you to have longer, more detailed conversations; it also better understands the context from your previous prompts.”
In addition to user-facing improvements, Gemini Advanced subscribers also get a premium tier in Google One, which combines AI capabilities with additional storage options. The paid tier is now available in more than 150 countries and territories in English, with more languages to be added in the future.
Information for this story was found via Google, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
