Google’s AI chatbot Bard takes its final bow, making way for Gemini, a new moniker aligned with the advanced AI model introduced by the company last December. Departing from the poetic charm associated with Bard, the transition to Gemini signifies Google’s strategic focus on cohesive branding and enhanced functionality.
Despite its initial reception, Bard has undergone substantial updates, including recent advancements enabling image generation from text. The rebranding initiative aims to provide users with a clearer understanding of their interactions with the Gemini AI model, according to Sissie Hsiao, vice president and general manager of Gemini experiences and Google Assistant.
While the transition to Gemini entails new branding elements and the introduction of a premium version named Ultra, the core functionality remains consistent. However, users may experience occasional instances where Gemini mistakenly identifies itself as Bard during the transition period, attributed to transitional challenges.
Google’s strategic realignment coincides with broader developments in the generative AI landscape, with competitors like OpenAI and Microsoft making significant strides. This trend underscores the exponential growth projected for the generative AI market, expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032.
In tandem with the rebranding, Google introduces two new Gemini apps for Android and iOS, initially available in the US and set to expand into the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, Gemini is slated to become the primary assistant on Android devices for users who opt in, signaling a gradual shift away from Google Assistant on mobile platforms.
Hsiao highlights Gemini’s conversational and multimodal capabilities, enabling seamless engagement through audio, text, and images. Furthermore, Gemini facilitates cross-device continuity, ensuring uninterrupted conversations and enhancing user experience.
Despite its advancements, Gemini’s reliance on large language models (LLMs) poses challenges such as accuracy issues and susceptibility to hallucinations. To address these concerns, Google introduces features like response verification and unveils Gemini Advanced, offering access to the cutting-edge Ultra 1.0 AI model through the Google One subscription service.
Finally, Google rebrands its Duet AI tools as Gemini for Google Workspace and Google Cloud, integrating AI capabilities into its productivity suite. As Gemini evolves, Google remains committed to refining its capabilities and expanding its utility across diverse user scenarios.