Bard rebrands as Gemini

Google's Pioneering Leap into Advanced AI

The Wiz February 4, 2024Last Updated: February 4, 2024

53 3 minutes read

Gemini, Google’s latest AI model, is making quite an impact in the AI world. Introduced in December 2023, Gemini represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, Bard. As Google’s most capable AI model to date, Gemini is multimodal, meaning it can understand and combine different types of information, such as text, code, audio, image, and video. This capability is evident in its three variants: Ultra, Pro, and Nano, each optimized for different scales of operation.

The rebranding from Bard to Gemini is more than just a name change. It signifies a considerable upgrade in capabilities and user experience. Gemini Pro, now powered globally, supports over 40 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. This expansion is a clear indication of Google’s commitment to making advanced AI tools more accessible and versatile.

What’s Gemini Pro?
Read our previously posted article: Google Bard Gets a Brain Boost with Gemini Pro

One of the most intriguing features of Gemini is its image generation capability, powered by the Imagen 2 model. Users can prompt the AI to create custom visuals, a feature that was previously unavailable in Bard. This addition broadens the scope of Gemini’s applications, making it a tool for not just text-based tasks but also for creative visual endeavors. To ensure the authenticity and traceability of these AI-generated images, Google has implemented the SynthID watermark, developed by DeepMind, which is invisible to the human eye but detectable by specialized tools.

The integration of Gemini with Google apps like Gmail, Maps, and YouTube, and its accessibility through text, voice, or images on Android and iOS devices, are steps towards a more interconnected and AI-driven user experience. This integration will likely change how users interact with these popular apps, offering new, AI-enhanced ways to manage tasks and access information.

Scheduled to launch in Canada on February 7th, Gemini marks its first availability in a major region without prior support. This expansion reflects Google’s strategy to compete with other AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and to secure a prominent position in the AI race. Gemini Pro’s availability in Europe further extends its reach, promising to bring advanced AI capabilities to a wider audience.

What is Gemini?

Gemini is Google's most advanced AI model to date, introduced in December 2023. It's a multimodal model, meaning it can process and understand various types of data, including text, code, audio, image, and video. Gemini comes in three sizes: Ultra, Pro, and Nano, each designed for different scales of operation.

Why did Google rebrand Bard to Gemini?

Google rebranded Bard to Gemini to reflect significant updates and improvements. These include an evolved user interface, reduced visual distractions, enhanced legibility, simplified navigation, and integration with Google apps. The rebranding symbolizes Google's commitment to making AI technologies more accessible and versatile across various regions and languages.

What are the new features of Gemini compared to Bard?

Gemini introduces several new features, including sophisticated multimodal reasoning capabilities and an improved user interface. It also offers a "choice chat" feature and an "ultra 1.0" version for complex tasks like coding and creative collaboration. Furthermore, Gemini is integrated with Google apps and accessible through text, voice, or images on Android and iOS devices.

When will the rebranding from Bard to Gemini take place?

The rebranding from Bard to Gemini was expected to take place in early February 2024, with a specific date suggested around February 7th.

What is the purpose of the dedicated app for Gemini?

The dedicated Gemini app provides direct access to Google's AI capabilities. It's designed to integrate with Google apps and be accessible on various devices, enhancing user experience with features like choice chat and the ultra 1.0 version. The app aims to be user-friendly with an interface that minimizes distractions and simplifies navigation.

How will the rebranding from Bard to Gemini affect the user experience?

Transition to Gemini is expected to significantly enhance the user experience. Users will benefit from the advanced capabilities of Gemini, such as improved conversation and reasoning skills, multimodal data processing, and seamless integration with other Google services. The new interface and additional features are designed to make interactions more efficient and user-friendly.

Google’s Gemini AI: An Expanded Overview

Global Reach and Language Support:

Gemini Pro is now operational globally, supporting over 40 languages. This extensive language support includes Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, marking a significant expansion from its initial launch.

Evolution of Bard to Gemini:

Bard, now known as Gemini, has evolved through various models, starting with LaMDA, then PaLM 2, and now Gemini Pro. This progression indicates Google’s continuous effort to refine and enhance its AI capabilities.

Enhanced Features and Capabilities:

Google introduced a “Double check” feature to cross-reference Bard’s (now Gemini’s) outputs with Google Search results. Initially available in English, this feature now supports over 40 languages, enhancing the reliability of the AI’s responses.
Image generation is a new addition to Gemini, utilizing the Imagen 2 model. Users can now prompt the AI to create images, a feature that expands its use cases beyond text-based tasks.
Google Assistant has been infused with Bard’s AI capabilities, improving its functionality for tasks like trip planning and grocery list making.
Bard (now Gemini) was made accessible to teenagers in English with safety features to prevent the generation of unsafe content.

New AI Tools: ImageFX and MusicFX:

Google has introduced new AI tools such as ImageFX and MusicFX. ImageFX allows users to create images from text prompts, while MusicFX uses the MusicLM AI model to generate musical tracks from text prompts or humming.
Both ImageFX and MusicFX outputs are watermarked with SynthID to identify them as AI-generated, ensuring traceability and authenticity.

Availability in Europe and Competitive Positioning:

Gemini Pro is now available in Europe, directly competing with OpenAI’s ChatGPT in the region. This launch signifies Google’s intention to be a major player in the global AI landscape.
The multimodal capabilities of Gemini, allowing it to process and combine different types of information, are a key aspect of its functionality and appeal.
Gemini Pro is positioned as the most versatile tool, Gemini Ultra for more complex tasks, and Gemini Nano for on-device operations.
The availability of Gemini Pro has been extended to over 230 countries and territories, indicating its widespread adoption and accessibility.

In conclusion, Google’s transition from Bard to Gemini is a significant leap forward in AI technology, enhancing user experience with multimodal capabilities, expanded language support, and creative tools like image generation. This transition not only demonstrates Google’s ambition in the AI space but also offers exciting possibilities for users and developers alike.