Google Renames Bard to Gemini, Launches Mobile App and New Ultra 1.0 Version

Google has officially announced the rebranding of its Bard AI chatbot to Gemini, similar to the company's most powerful AI model. The Pro 1.0 variant is now available in 230 countries and more than 40 different languages ​​worldwide.

Speaking about the decision to change the brand from Bard to Gemini, Google Vice President and General Manager of Gemini Experience and Google Assistant Sissie Hsiao said:

Since Bard launched last year, people around the world have been using the tool to collaborate with AI in entirely new ways—to prepare for job interviews, debug code, brainstorm new business ideas, or even create art.

Google’s mission with Bard has always been to provide users with direct access to our AI models, and Gemini represents one of the most capable models available today. To emphasize that spirit, Bard will now be simply called Gemini.

In addition to the new name, Google also launched an official mobile app for Gemini on Android. Users can access and use the app like any other app, completely replacing Google Assistant.

The “Hey Google” command will launch a new responsive interface, with quick access to Gemini and contextualization of what’s happening on the device’s screen. Google also says the Gemini app supports most Assistant features, such as setting timers, making calls, controlling home devices, and more.

For iOS, iPhone owners will be able to access Gemini using the regular Google app. The company is currently rolling out the Gemini app for Android, and the updated Google app on iOS will be available to customers in the US, with more countries to follow in the coming weeks.

Finally, Google is ready to launch a paid version of Gemini, called Gemini Advanced. It's powered by Google's "most advanced and powerful AI model": Ultra 1.0. The company says Gemini Advanced is capable of much more complex tasks, such as writing code, reasoning, following nuanced instructions, completing creative tasks, and more. Plus, with Gemini Advanced, you can have longer, more detailed conversations.

Gemini Advanced is currently available in English in over 150 countries. Like Microsoft's Copilot Pro, Gemini Advanced costs $19.99/month. However, the service is tied to a Google One subscription, which offers additional perks like 2TB of Google Drive storage. Users can also try the Google One AI Premium Plan for free for two months.