In a bold move to streamline its artificial intelligence (AI) offerings, Google has announced a significant rebranding: the company’s AI initiatives will now collectively be known as Gemini. This sweeping change encompasses the renaming of the Bard chatbot to Gemini, the introduction of a dedicated Gemini app for Android, and the incorporation of all Duet AI features in Google Workspace into the Gemini brand. Furthermore, Google has unveiled Gemini Ultra 1.0, its most advanced large language model to date, now available to the public.
The Gemini mobile app, now accessible on Android, represents a pivotal shift in how users will interact with Google’s AI. By setting Gemini as the default assistant on Android devices, it takes precedence over the Google Assistant for tasks activated by voice commands or the home button. Although Google Assistant remains operational, the focus clearly shifts towards Gemini, signaling a new direction for the company’s AI strategy. “This is a crucial first step in creating a genuinely AI-powered assistant,” remarked Sissie Hsiao, head of the Gemini project at Google, highlighting the tool’s conversational, multimodal capabilities.
iOS users, while unable to set Gemini as the default assistant due to platform restrictions, can access its AI functionalities through the Google app. A testament to Gemini’s importance within Google’s ecosystem is the introduction of a toggle in the Google app, allowing users to switch between traditional search functions and Gemini features. This adjustment reflects the evolving priority of AI within Google, with implications that Gemini could rival the company’s foundational search engine in significance.
The transition to the Gemini brand aims to consolidate Google’s AI efforts under a single, cohesive identity, moving away from the Bard and Duet AI labels. This rebranding extends to Workspace applications like Gmail and Docs, where Gemini will enhance productivity through AI-driven suggestions for email drafting, spreadsheet management, and more. Despite the name change, users can expect a familiar experience with enhanced AI integration across Google’s services.
Google’s consolidation of its AI technologies under the Gemini brand marks a strategic pivot towards a more integrated and user-centric AI ecosystem. By unifying its AI tools and prioritizing Gemini, Google not only simplifies its product lineup but also sets the stage for the next evolution of AI interaction. This bold rebranding effort underscores Google’s commitment to leading in AI innovation, promising a future where AI assistants become even more integral to our digital lives.
