On Thursday, Google introduced the Gemini app, a free artificial intelligence (AI) application designed to bring advanced AI capabilities directly to smartphones. This move marks a significant shift from the Bard chatbot, introduced a year ago, as Google aims to keep pace with ChatGPT, developed by the Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI in late 2022.
Named after an AI project unveiled late last year, the Gemini app is integrated into Google’s smartphone software Android. It is positioned to become the primary method for users to leverage AI technology, surpassing the existing Google voice assistant.
Sissie Hsiao, a Google general manager overseeing Gemini, emphasized the app’s potential impact, stating, “We think this is one of the most profound ways we are going to advance our mission.”
Initially launching in the US in English, the Gemini app will expand to the Asia-Pacific region next week, offering versions in Japanese and Korean.
Alongside the free version of Gemini, Google will offer an advanced service through the app for $20 (€18.6) per month. This advanced option, powered by AI technology named “Ultra 1.0,” boasts capabilities such as tutoring students, providing computer programming tips, and generating project ideas.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the sophistication of Ultra 1.0, stating, “Ultra 1.0 is the first to outperform human experts on massive multitask language understanding.”
The Gemini Advanced subscription, priced at $20 per month, will include 2 terabytes of storage, reinforcing Google’s belief in the value of its AI technology.
To encourage adoption, Google is offering a free two-month trial of Gemini Advanced.
The introduction of Gemini underscores the growing trend of integrating AI into smartphones, following similar moves by Google and Samsung with their latest smartphone releases.
This development intensifies the competition between Google and Microsoft, both vying for dominance in the AI space, contributing to significant market value increases for both companies.
Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the capabilities of ChatGPT-4, emphasizing Microsoft’s leading position in AI technology.
However, the proliferation of sophisticated AI also raises concerns about potential misuse and manipulation, prompting regulatory efforts to address AI ethics and governance worldwide.