By In a strategic move to enhance its AI offerings, Google has unveiled Gemini AI, formerly known as Bard chatbot, along with the introduction of a paid subscription service aimed at providing advanced reasoning capabilities to users.
The tech giant’s latest subscription service, Gemini Advanced, comes with a monthly fee of $19.99 and offers access to the powerful Ultra 1.0 AI model. Additionally, subscribers will benefit from two terabytes of cloud storage, valued at $9.99 per month. This comprehensive subscription package aims to cater to users’ workflow needs by integrating seamlessly with Gmail and Google’s productivity suite, forming the Google One AI Premium plan.
Jack Krawczyk, Product Lead at Google, emphasized the holistic nature of the subscription, stating, “When I pay $20 a month, access to a model alone is not really enough.” This sentiment underscores Google’s commitment to providing users with a well-rounded AI experience that extends beyond just the AI model itself.
The launch of Gemini Advanced signals Google’s response to the evolving landscape of AI subscriptions, with competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI already offering similar services such as ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 a month in the United States. This pricing competition reflects the growing demand among consumers for advanced AI capabilities.
Gemini Advanced targets users seeking the most capable generative AI technology, capable of generating content on demand and handling queries without readily available online answers. Google envisions Gemini becoming a widely adopted product, leveraging its extensive base of Android phone users. Android users can easily integrate Gemini as their default digital assistant, accessible through various means including an app, the power button, or voice commands like “Hey Google.”
The rollout of Gemini Advanced will initially focus on the US market before expanding globally to regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and others. Additional language support in Japanese and Korean will further enhance its accessibility and appeal to users worldwide.
Krawczyk described this transition as “the artist formerly known as Bard” entering “the Gemini era,” signaling a new chapter in Google’s AI offerings.
Gemini Advanced is currently available in English in 150 countries, with a two-month subscription trial offered to users at no cost, allowing them to experience the full capabilities of Google’s latest AI subscription service.
