Google Introduces Gemini Advanced, Touted As Its 'Most Capable AI Assistant Yet', Here's All About It

Last week, Google made a significant announcement regarding the rebranding of Bard — its artificial intelligence (AI) service — to Gemini.

Alongside this rebrand, Gemini introduced Gemini Advanced, a subscription service priced at $20 per month, granting users access to Gemini Advanced, described as the company’s "most capable AI assistant yet" as per a report by The Indian Express.

This rebranding reflects Gemini's commitment to prioritising AI, with CEO Sundar Pichai stating that the new name "embodies our overarching approach to building the most capable and responsible AI models."

In an exclusive interview with CNBC, Pichai elaborated on the rationale behind the rebrand.

He stated, "It was a logical step to transition to Gemini, as it represents the underlying Gemini model when utilised. I believe this is how we will continue to advance our models, enabling users to directly experience the benefits."

Gemini is rolling out applications on iOS and Android to ensure easy access to its AI assistant. Android users even have the option to replace Google Assistant with Gemini as the default assistant, effectively sidelining Google Assistant in favour of Gemini.

Gemini Advanced serves as Gemini’s response to ChatGPT Plus, offering subscribers access to Gemini Ultra 1.0 for $20 per month.

Pichai highlighted Ultra as Gemini’s "most advanced model to date," excelling in handling complex queries and tasks such as coding.

Pichai shared a breakthrough moment when Ultra successfully interpreted a series of images as a video, stating, "It was remarkable to see the sequence of images being comprehended — almost as if understanding it as a video and being able to answer related questions."

Overcoming the challenge of training Ultra at scale was the primary obstacle, according to Pichai. Nonetheless, he believes that the model "represents the future frontier of AI."

Additionally, Gemini will power AI features across productivity apps like Gmail, Docs, and Sheets, formerly marketed as Duet AI but now under the Gemini brand.

Gemini’s launch of Gemini Advanced positions it in direct competition with Microsoft, which recently made significant investments in OpenAI.

When asked about this rivalry, Pichai emphasised Gemini’s commitment to developing superior products for users.

Pichai personally tested Ultra 1.0, using it to enhance coding skills and write real estate listings.

He shared an anecdote where Ultra effectively drafted a real estate listing based on a friend's house photos, demonstrating its understanding of architectural details and furnishings.