9th February 2024
Google is upgrading its AI service Bard and rebranding it as Gemini, the name of its family of foundation models. More significantly, Google has now launched a new iteration of Gemini known as Gemini Advanced, leveraging Google's latest AI model, Ultra 1.0, touted by the company as its most powerful AI system yet. This transition consolidates Google's public-facing AI offerings under the Gemini umbrella. The company's CEO, Sundar Pichai, announced the news this week, heralding the beginning of the "Gemini Era" in AI technology.
Gemini offers both free and paid services. The basic version, Gemini, utilizes the Pro 1.0 AI model and is accessible for free. For more advanced capabilities, users can opt for Gemini Advanced, the only way to access the Ultra 1.0 AI model currently available. Priced at $19.99 per month, this premium service offers features like enhanced multimodal capabilities, interactive coding, and deeper data analysis. Additionally, Gemini Advanced subscribers gain access to exclusive features and perks through the Google One AI Premium plan.
Google is also integrating Duet AI features into its Workspace line-up under the Gemini suite of products, rebranding Duet AI as Gemini for Workspace. Additionally, Duet AI for Cloud will transition to Gemini "in the coming weeks."
The company is introducing a new Gemini app for Android and expanding its availability to the Google app on iOS. Users can now replace their Google Assistant with Gemini on Android devices.
Gemini Advanced will initially be accessible in over 150 countries and territories, with support limited to English. However, Japanese and Korean languages are slated for inclusion in the near future.
Sources: Mashable, Search Engine Journal, TechCrunch
Amazon announced a new AI-powered shopping assistant called Rufus, which aims to help guide and inform customers about what to look for while shopping in different product categories. Mindshare’s Jeff Malmad talks more about it in the latest Mindshare Retail Media Minute episode. Watch here
Disney’s password-sharing crackdown will officially start this summer. Disney Plus accounts “suspected of improper sharing” will be prompted to sign up for their own subscription. Disney will also start letting account holders add people outside their household for an “additional fee” although specific pricing details have not been provided yet. Read more
Microsoft’s Notepad is getting a generative AI boost. A new update called “Explain with Copilot” will help users decipher any text, code segments, or log files they select within the text editor. Read more
Threads is testing the ability to save posts in the app, which has been a highly requested feature update. The new “Save” option will be available in the three dots menu on any post in the app. Saved posts will then be available in users’ menu options, like on Instagram. Read more
YouTube is set to display vertical live stream broadcasts within the Shorts feed in the app. Creators have had the ability to live stream in vertical format for a while, however, YouTube is now expanding discovery options by featuring these broadcasts within the Shorts feed. Additionally, YouTube is also introducing RSS feed integration in YouTube Studio, providing another way to distribute podcast content. Read more