What’s new in Google Gemini? Everything you need to know

The last months have brought significant changes regarding access to high-quality AI chatbots. Especially thanks to Google Gemini, a new AI tool from the tech giant based in Mountain View. Replacing its predecessor – Bard, Gemini introduces a series of innovations that change the way we use the Internet and Google tools.

Google’s Gemini - table of contents

This change is not only a response to the growing market demand for AI chatbots equipped with more and more new features but also evidence of the company’s ongoing efforts to keep its dominant position in the search engine market. In this article, we will take a closer look at what novelties Google AI brings and how they can impact the daily use of Google tools in a company. Read on.

Google Gemini replaces Bard

Bard, a chatbot first announced on February 6, 2023, by Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, was launched just over a month later on March 21, 2023. It was Google’s first step toward experimental AI chatbots.

Nearly a year later, Bard was renamed Gemini. This symbolically marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Google AI. As a Google spokesperson stated, “Gemini opens up new possibilities for users by offering more advanced tools and integrations.”

The change from Bard to Gemini is not just a name change, but more importantly, the introduction of new, better features and capabilities. It’s a step forward in the development of AI at Google that will certainly affect the way we use the Internet.

How to use Gemini in a Google account?

Accessing Gemini is easy. Just visit the Gemini website (https://gemini.google.com/) and sign in with your Google account. There is a Google One plan for individual users, while businesses can use Gemini for Google Workspace. In corporate accounts, Duet AI will be converted to Gemini for Workspace, and soon users of Google One AI Premium subscription will be able to use Gemini in Gmail, Documents, Sheets, Presentations, and Google Meet.

Interestingly, Gemini Pro – a model with capabilities comparable to the free version of ChatGPT – is also available for free. However, for more advanced features offered within Gemini Ultra, payment will be required.

The basic AI Premium plan costs around $30 per month. In addition to access to Gemini Ultra, it offers 2TB of cloud space and, soon, users will also benefit from writing assistance directly within Gmail and Google Docs – from generating ideas to refining the final version.

We also get the ability to create original images in Presentations and even improve video quality in Meet by reducing noise, increasing sharpness, and correcting lighting.

Source: Google Gemini Advanced (https://gemini.google.com/app)

Google Gemini Extensions

Using Gemini is a lot of fun – mainly because of the ability to input text vocally, easily attach images, and the option to choose from several versions of responses, and change their tone to be more professional or informal. However, what sets Gemini apart are the integrations with the environment of other Google tools.

Gemini Extensions is a feature that opens up new opportunities for users to integrate with other Google services, such as:

YouTube – the search feature in subtitled videos greatly expands learning opportunities.
Google Flights, Hotels, and Maps – for example, if you ask Gemini for suggestions of popular tourist attractions in Seattle, we’ll get results directly in Google Maps.
Gmail – after creating an email in Gemini, we can send it directly to the recipient without copying and pasting the text.
Google Workspace – it lets you use content from Google Drive, like Google Docs and Sheets, broadening conversation possibilities for business solutions.

This demonstrates how Google AI tools make using the Internet more intuitive and integrated. Gemini also makes it simple to share threads, which is great for teamwork. Simply find the share icon below a reply to generate a link that can be emailed. This feature facilitates collaboration and communication, making business processes more efficient.

The benefits of Google Gemini

Gemini stands out among other AI tools thanks to several key advantages:

large language model (LLM) – Gemini’s free plan uses an improved Google Gemini Pro for English, ensuring better content quality. In the paid Advanced version, you can access Gemini Ultra, comparable to GPT-4.
generating images – although the feature is currently only available to selected users, thanks to Imagen 2, the most advanced text-to-image model, Gemini can generate high-quality images.
creative co-pilot – Gemini is designed to assist in writing, brainstorming, learning, and many other activities, making it an invaluable tool in creative work and planning.

The drawbacks of Google Gemini

Despite its many benefits, Gemini also has its downsides. One of them is common to all large language models – it can provide incorrect information. Fortunately, Google AI allows for fact-checking directly in the chat window. Beneath each response, you can see a colorful logo. Clicking on it highlights information that has been verified on websites in green. The second big disadvantage is time. Google AI made users wait a long time for a version of artificial intelligence to match OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Źródło: DALL·E 3, prompt: Marta M. Kania (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martamatyldakania/)

Summary

Gemini is a big leap forward for Google AI, helping the company catch up with competitors and providing users with a powerful tool for interacting with the digital realm. Its ongoing development with new features and language models shows Google’s commitment to constant improvement.

As Google AI becomes more advanced and accessible, businesses have a unique opportunity to use these tools to optimize their operations. Google Gemini, with its new features and capabilities, could be the key to more effective business management, communication, and innovation.

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Author: Robert Whitney
JavaScript expert and instructor who coaches IT departments. His main goal is to up-level team productivity by teaching others how to effectively cooperate while coding.
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