Google renames Bard to Gemini and launches the most powerful Ultra 1.0

February 19, 2024

Shortly after unveiling its ambitious language model Gemini, Google has surprised the tech world by introducing its successor – Gemini 1.5. Positioned as a versatile business tool, personal assistant, and everything in between, Google aims to establish Gemini as an indispensable AI platform.

Gemini 1.5 Pro: A Leap Forward

Gemini 1.5 Pro, touted as Google’s general-purpose model, surpasses the recently released Gemini Ultra and outperforms its predecessor, Gemini 1.0 Pro, by an impressive 87% in tests. Utilizing the “Mixture of Experts” technique, Gemini 1.5 runs a fraction of the overall model for each request, ensuring faster and more efficient processing.

The standout feature of Gemini 1.5 is its colossal context window, enabling the model to handle extensive queries and process a staggering 1 million tokens. Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasizes the potential applications, stating it can handle about 10 to 11 hours of video or tens of thousands of lines of code at once. Businesses can leverage this capability to add personalized context and information to queries, making it a breakthrough for various industries.

For Businesses and Developers First

Initially available to business users and developers through Google’s Vertex AI and AI Studio, Gemini 1.5 aims to replace Gemini 1.0 eventually. The standard version, Gemini Pro, accessible to the public, will feature a contextual window of 128,000 tokens, with the option to upgrade for a million tokens. Google is rigorously testing the model’s security and ethical boundaries, particularly concerning the expanded contextual window.

AI Race Heats Up

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, Google is in a fierce competition with other tech giants like OpenAI. Gemini’s capabilities seem promising, especially for those already integrated into the Google ecosystem. However, with recent announcements from competitors, including OpenAI’s memory for ChatGPT and impending web search features, the battle for AI supremacy is far from over.

Bard’s Transformation to Gemini: A Comprehensive AI Ecosystem

Previously launched as the chatbot Bard, Google has decided to rebrand it as Gemini, aligning with the AI model’s name it’s based on. Already operational in over 40 languages and more than 230 countries, Gemini is set to introduce two new features: Gemini Advanced and a dedicated mobile app.

Gemini Advanced: Elevating AI Interaction

Gemini Advanced provides access to Google Ultra 1.0’s advanced AI model, enhancing its capability to handle complex tasks such as coding and logical thinking. It serves as a personal tutor, aiding users in various learning scenarios, from coding to creative project collaboration. With enhanced multimodal capabilities and interactive features, Gemini Advanced is positioned as a powerful tool for digital content creators and learners alike.

Available in over 150 countries initially in English, Gemini Advanced is part of the new Google One AI premium pricing plan, offering users access to Gemini in various Google applications.

Mobile Experiences Unleashed

To cater to on-the-go users, Google is rolling out mobile experiences for both Gemini and Gemini Advanced through new apps on Android and iOS. Users can interact with Gemini through typing, voice commands, or image inputs for assistance on various tasks, from repairing a flat tire to creating customized images.

The Gemini app, available through Google Assistant, provides a seamless experience, offering contextual help right on the screen. Google One AI, including Gemini, is available for a free trial for the first two months, with a subsequent cost of $19.99 per month.

In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, Google’s Gemini and Gemini Advanced present formidable advancements, promising a future where users seamlessly interact with AI, oblivious to the underlying technology. As the AI race intensifies, users can expect a transformative experience with these cutting-edge models.