From Bard to Gemini: Google renames chatbot to reflect improved capacity

David Afolayan
Google is rolling out new Gemini and Gemini Advanced apps for Android users…
From Bard to Gemini: Google renames chatbot to reflect improved capacity

Global tech giant, Google has announced today that its chatbot, Bard will now be called Gemini, the name of the Large Language Model (LLM) powering the AI chatbot. According to a statement shared with Technext, the name change is meant to reflect the “advanced tech at its core”.

Launched last year, Google Bard has undergone several iterative upgrades and several updates. The model comes in three sizes: Gemini Nano, Gemini Pro, and Gemini Ultra. The versions of Gemini are suitable for different tasks. A lightweight version of Gemini Pro powers Google Bard.

Building on the rebrand, beginning today, Google is rolling out new Gemini and Gemini Advanced apps for Android users. It will also be available on the Google app on iOS. All they need to do is tap the Gemini toggle at the top of the Google app to access the chatbot.

Read also: Bard’s latest update: users in Nigeria can now access Gemini Pro and generate AI images

This means that users will now be able to chat with Gemini using the Pro 1.0 model in over 40 languages and more than 230 countries and territories. Many Google Assistant voice features will be available through the Gemini app. These include setting timers, making calls and controlling smart home devices.

Android users will be able to download the Gemini app from the Google Play Store. Users can also opt-in through Google Assistant to access Gemini’s assistance from the app or anywhere that Google Assistant would typically be activated, including pressing the power button, corner swiping, or even saying “Hey Google.” 

From Bard to Gemini: Google renames chatbot to reflect improved capacity

For example, if you long press the power button, Gemini will be activated over your screen, where you can chat via voice or enter a prompt. Many other Google Assitant features such as setting timers, making calls, and controlling smart home devices, will be available within the Gemini app as well, the statement indicated.

With Gemini on your phone, you can type, talk or add an image for all kinds of help while you’re on the go: You can take a picture of your flat tyre 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.

According to Sissie Hsiao, Vice President and General Manager, of Gemini Experiences (formerly known as Bard) and Google Assistant, “Gemini is evolving to be more than just an AI model”. According to her, Google is taking significant steps to make AI more helpful for everyone.

Sissie Hsiao
Sissie Hsiao

“Gemini is supporting an entire ecosystem — from the products that billions of people use every day, to the APIs and platforms helping developers and businesses innovate. These latest updates reflect how we’re approaching innovation boldly, and advancing and deploying this technology responsibly”, she adds.

Gemini vs. Gemini advanced

Google also announced the release of a Gemini version with an Ultra 1.0 model that will be called Gemini Advanced. According to Sissie, this version has better capabilities for reasoning, following instructions, coding, and creative collaboration. Anyone can start using Gemini Advanced by subscribing to the new Google One AI Premium plan.

Google Gemini

Other updates from Google include a brand-new paid subscription tier, Google One AI Premium Plan. This tier grants users access to Gemini Advanced, which is Google’s take on a ChatGPT Plus-like service. For $19.99 a month, users get access to Ultra 1.0, 2TB of storage, and all the latest Google advancements.

In addition, AI Premium subscribers will soon be able to use Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets and more (formerly known as Duet AI).

Google will be rolling out Gemini on Android and iOS phones in the U.S. in English starting today and it will be fully available in the coming weeks. Google also said that users will be able to access it in more locations in English, and in Japanese and Korean, with more countries and languages starting from next week,


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