Google renames Bard to Gemini, launches paid subscription

Google has renamed its chatbot Bard, calling it Gemini in a move aimed at showcasing the new AI capabilities powering the platform.

This shift marks a strategic endeavour by Google to enhance its competitive edge against industry giants like Microsoft, particularly in the realm of AI-powered subscriptions.

Gemini, the revamped chatbot, offers consumers the opportunity to enhance their reasoning capabilities through a subscription model.

Subscription rates

For a monthly fee of $19.99, U.S. customers can access Gemini Advanced, featuring the potent Ultra 1.0 AI model, along with a generous allocation of two terabytes of cloud storage, a component valued at $9.99 per month.

Subscribers are expected to access a seamless integration of Gemini into Gmail and Google’s suite of productivity tools, adding value and convenience to their digital experiences.

This subscription bundle, marketed as the Google One AI Premium plan, represents a significant strategic response to the competition posed by Microsoft and its partner, OpenAI.

The landscape of paid AI subscriptions has seen notable developments, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus pioneering early access to AI models and Microsoft introducing its own competing subscription for AI-enhanced programs such as Word and Excel, both priced at $20 per month in the United States.

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Jack Krawczyk, product lead at Google, emphasized the holistic approach taken by the company in offering AI solutions. Beyond mere access to advanced models, the subscription encompasses cloud storage and seamless integration with popular platforms like Gmail, aligning with users’ workflow and productivity needs.

Krawczyk highlighted the target market as individuals seeking cutting-edge generative AI technology capable of generating content and addressing queries with unprecedented efficiency.

Google aims to leverage its extensive user base, particularly within the Android ecosystem, to promote Gemini adoption. Android users can seamlessly integrate Gemini as their default digital assistant through various channels, including an app, the power button, or voice commands. This strategic integration aims to streamline access to AI capabilities for billions of users worldwide.

Gemini Advanced is initially available in English across 150 countries, with plans for a global rollout.

Krawczyk revealed that a smartphone rollout will commence in the U.S., followed by expansion into international markets, including the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions, with additional language support in Japanese and Korean.

Users are offered a two-month subscription trial at no cost, providing an opportunity to experience the enhanced capabilities of Gemini firsthand.

The renaming of Bard to Gemini symbolizes Google’s evolution in AI development, marking a transition into a new era characterized by advanced capabilities and broader accessibility. As Google continues to innovate in the AI landscape, Gemini emerges as a cornerstone product poised to redefine the digital assistant experience for users worldwide.

Last week, Google launched Gemini Pro, its most advanced Artificial Intelligence to its Bard AI platform in Nigeria, bringing advanced capabilities and innovative features to users in the country.