In a strategic move echoing Microsoft's recent renaming of Bing Chat to Copilot, Google has amalgamated its generative AI models Bard and Duet under a single banner named Gemini. This consolidation aligns with Google's endeavor to streamline and unify its diverse AI offerings, providing users with a cohesive and integrated experience.

The rebranding also introduces a new Gemini Android app and an enhanced, premium chatbot version, promising advanced capabilities.

Bard Renamed as Gemini for Unified Experience

The announcement comes after a leak hinted at the name change earlier this month, signaling Google's commitment to a more unified and recognizable brand for its AI services.

Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, emphasized the shift, stating, "Bard has been the best way for people to experience our most capable models directly. To reflect the advanced tech at its core, Bard will now be called Gemini."

This transition marks a significant step in Google's ongoing efforts to simplify and enhance its generative AI offerings.

Gemini, representing Google's multimodal AI model, is now accessible on the web in 40 languages. Introducing a dedicated Gemini Android app aims to provide users with a more tailored and immersive experience.

Additionally, Gemini is integrated into the Google app on iOS, making it readily available across different platforms.

One notable feature of the Gemini Android app is the option for users to replace Google Assistant as their default AI. This shift allows users to initiate Gemini with a long press of the home button or the "Hey Google" voice command, showcasing Google's commitment to offering users flexibility and customization in their AI interactions.

The Gemini app introduces a conversational overlay on the display, providing contextual suggestions. This includes capabilities such as generating descriptions for recently taken photos and seeking additional information about on-screen content.

Users can seamlessly access commonly used Assistant features through the Gemini app, covering tasks such as making calls, setting timers, and controlling smart home devices.

Google's Gemini Raises Questions About the Future of Google Assistant

While Google is positioning Gemini as a robust and advanced AI solution, it raises questions about the potential phasing out of Google Assistant. The company has hinted at expanding Gemini's capabilities with additional Assistant functions in the future, suggesting a strategic shift in focus.

For iOS users, there isn't a standalone Gemini app at present. Instead, access to Gemini is facilitated through the Google app by toggling the Gemini option within the interface.

Gemini is currently available in English on Android and iOS in the US. Google plans to extend access to Gemini in more locations and languages in the coming weeks, reinforcing its commitment to a global and inclusive user base.

In conjunction with the Gemini announcement, Google introduced Gemini Advanced, touted as its most significant and most capable AI model, Ultra 1.0.

Accessible through the Google One AI Premium Plan, priced at $20 per month, Gemini Advanced offers more extended and in-depth conversations with the ability to recall context from previous interactions. The subscription includes 2TB of storage, a VPN, and future integration with various Google apps, replacing the existing Duet AI.

Addressing concerns related to bias and unsafe content, Google assures users that extensive trust and safety checks, including external red-teaming by third-party ethical hackers, have been conducted on Gemini Advanced.

The model has undergone refinement through reinforcement learning and fine-tuning to ensure a secure and reliable AI experience.