On Thursday, Google announced a rebranding of Bard, its chatbot and artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, including new apps and subscription options. Bard, the main competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT, is now called Gemini, the same name as the range of AI models that power the chatbot.
Google also announced a new way for users to use the chatbot: Starting Thursday, Android users can download a new Android app for Gemini, and iPhone users can use Gemini in the Google app on iOS.
Google's rebranding and app offerings underscore the company's commitment to massive growth. Alphabet founder Sundar Pichai emphasized the company's commitment to AI during the company's earnings call on January 30. Pichai said he wants to offer AI agents that can complete more tasks for users, including in Google Search.
Google's change to Gemini is the first step toward "building a true AI assistant," Sissie Hsiao, a senior vice president at Google and general manager for Google Assistant and Bard, told reporters on a call on Wednesday.
Google on Thursday also announced a new AI subscription option, for users who want to access Gemini Ultra 1.0, Google's most advanced AI model. That access costs $19.99 a month through Google One.
Google One customers who pay for an AI subscription will have access to the Gemini assistant's capabilities in Gmail, Docs, Google Sheets, Slides, and Meet, executives told reporters. Google hopes to include more context in Gemini from user content in Gmail,
In the future, AI agents may be able to schedule group meetings by modifying everyone's calendars to ensure there are no conflicts, book trips and activities, buy gifts for loved ones, or perform specific job functions.
