Google’s AI chatbot is undergoing a dramatic transformation next week as part of an ambitious rebranding and expansion effort. Introduced in 2022 as Bard, the conversational agent will now be known as Gemini – aligning its name with the multimodal AI model that powers it behind the scenes. This symbolic shift comes alongside more tangible upgrades like a dedicated Android app and premium subscription tier called Gemini Advanced.
Since launching Bard, Google has constantly iterated by incorporating more advanced AI capabilities over time. Last year’s integration of the Gemini model allowed Bard to handle text, images, audio and video within interactions. Recent additions include an image generator able to conjure realistic illustrations from text prompts.
But to reflect Gemini’s role as the driving force behind enhanced utility, Google felt reconstituting their chatbot’s identity was warranted. Gemini Pro – the leading-edge version of the underlying AI – now enables key features in all languages and countries where Bard operates. Dropping the Bard branding helps mark this full technology transition.
The newly christened Gemini also aims to extend its reach further into the daily lives of users. Next week will see an Android app rollout, allowing convenient access from Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. More intriguingly, Gemini Advanced will unlock ultra-sophisticated capabilities via paid subscription – think nuanced coding support, analyzing complex documents, and advanced creative collaboration.
Early limitations and mistakes have challenged consumer confidence in Bard. But by aligning branding with its AI headliner and pushing experience-focused improvements, Google hopes Gemini can realize conversational technology’s full disruptive potential. The coming months will reveal if Gemini’s makeover sets the stage for a chatbot that users actively embrace rather than reluctantly test in passing.
