Gemini 2.5 Launches as Google Unveils $250 AI Subscription
▼ Summary
– Google announced general availability for Gemini 2.5 at I/O 2025, with integration into Chrome and a new subscription plan.
– Gemini 2.5 Flash is now the default model, replacing 2.0 Flash, offering improved reliability with simulated reasoning.
– The release version of 2.5 Flash enhances reasoning, coding, and multimodality while using 20–30% fewer tokens than the preview.
– Gemini 2.5 Pro is exiting preview, gaining new features like Deep Think for improved math and coding performance.
– Deep Think allows the Pro model to evaluate multiple hypotheses per query but requires further testing before full release.
Google has officially launched Gemini 2.5, marking a major milestone in its AI development with enhanced capabilities and a new premium subscription tier. The upgraded model, now out of preview, delivers significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly in reasoning, coding, and multimodal tasks. While early versions have been available since earlier this year, the full release brings refined performance and efficiency—consuming 20–30% fewer tokens than the experimental build.
The Gemini 2.5 Flash variant replaces 2.0 Flash as the default model, offering more reliable outputs thanks to its advanced simulated reasoning. Already live in Vertex AI, AI Studio, and the Gemini app, it will become the standard option by early June. Meanwhile, the Pro model has graduated from preview status, now topping benchmarks like LM Arena. A standout addition is Deep Think, a feature that evaluates multiple hypotheses per query, boosting accuracy in math and coding. Google plans further refinements before rolling it out broadly.
Alongside the technical upgrades, the company introduced a premium subscription priced at $250, positioning Gemini as a direct competitor to other high-end AI services. While the cost may raise eyebrows, the improvements in performance and efficiency could justify the investment for power users. Integration with Chrome is also on the horizon, signaling deeper ecosystem alignment.
The launch solidifies Google’s commitment to advancing AI, though the premium tier’s reception remains to be seen. For now, Gemini 2.5 represents a leap forward in capability, setting the stage for more sophisticated applications across industries.
(Source: Ars Technica)
