Google's Bard makes way for Gemini

Remember Bard, the AI-powered assistant Google introduced a year ago? Today, it evolves into something even more powerful: Gemini. Powered by the cutting-edge Gemini Pro 1.0 model, Gemini promises a new level of intelligent interaction across 230+ countries and 40+ languages.

You can enjoy natural language conversations with Gemini over text or voice. Ask it questions, get tasks done, or simply start a casual chat. And since it's a multi-modal model, you can show Gemini a photo or describe an image you want created, and let it weave its visual magic. Start your Gemini journey at no cost through the web interface or mobile app (available on Android and via the Google app on iOS).

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Google’s Bard AI tool to reportedly get a Gemini makeover

Image: Google

A document leaked on X reveals that Google is preparing to announce some major updates to its Bard AI tool as early as next week. The document, which has not been officially verified, claims that Google will rename Bard to Gemini, the same name as its new multimodal AI model that was launched in late 2023. This could be a strategic move by Google to unify its AI products under one brand name. Gemini is already powering some of Google’s services, including Bard.

The document also includes a changelog from an Android app developer named Dylan Roussel, dated February 7. According to the changelog, Google will introduce a paid subscription option called Gemini Advanced, which will allow users to access the Ultra 1.0 model of Gemini. This model is described as “far more capable at highly complex tasks like coding, logical reasoning, following nuanced instructions, and creative collaboration.” Gemini Advanced will be initially available in over 150 countries and optimized for the English language. The document also states that Gemini will be available in Canada with this release.

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Google Bard gets AI image generation capabilities

Image: Google

Google's Bard chatbot has introduced AI image generation, bridging a gap with its competitor ChatGPT Plus, which has offered this feature for several months. You can now prompt Bard to create images using Google's Imagen 2 text-to-image model. Notably, you can access the enhanced Bard with Imagen 2 at no cost, in contrast to ChatGPT Plus, which requires a subscription.

Despite initial expectations for Bard to be powered by the more advanced Gemini Ultra model, it is currently fueled by the Gemini Pro large language model, with the Ultra model still in development.

Recent concerns about the misuse of AI image generation, particularly in generating explicit content, have prompted tech companies to enhance security measures. Google, in response, has implemented a watermarking feature in Bard's images to indicate their AI-generated nature. Additionally, safety measures have been put in place to avoid generating images of well-known individuals and to restrict violent, offensive, or sexually explicit content.

The scope of AI image generation extends beyond Bard, as Google introduces ImageFX, an experimental photo tool powered by Imagen 2. This tool allows users to create images using simple text prompts, with the feedback loop going directly to Google engineers. SynthID markings—along with adherence to Google's AI principles and technical safeguards—are applied to all images generated through ImageFX. This tool joins Google's array of AI creation tools, including MusicFX and TextFX, and is available for testing on Google Labs.

Bard's expansion goes beyond image generation, encompassing language support and functionality improvements. While image generation is currently limited to English, Bard now supports over 40 languages in more than 230 countries, a significant increase from its previous availability in only 170 countries and exclusively in English. Moreover, the double-check feature, enabling users to evaluate responses by automatically searching the internet for supporting or contradictory content, has been expanded to 40 languages, enhancing the chatbot's capabilities across a diverse linguistic landscape.

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Some Google employees criticized 'rushed' Bard announcement

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Some Googlers aren't happy with the company's recent announcement of its ChatGPT rival, Bard. Posts in the company's internal message boards called the launch of the AI chatbot "rushed" and "botched," with many targeting CEO Sundar Pichai. Google announced Bard earlier this week to try and get ahead of Microsoft's ChatGPT-powered Big redesign.

But when the company tweeted out a demo, several users pointed out that it contained a factual error. And then during Wednesday's launch, a presenter forgot the phone they were going to use to show off one of Bar'ds features. And there were reports that some employees weren't even aware of the event. Google's stock to a big blow after the news about Bard's error started making its rounds, losing nearly US$100 billion of its market value in a day.

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