What is Google Gemini (Formerly Bard)?

Formerly known as Google Bard, Google Gemini is a cutting-edge AI platform that has shown significant development ever since its launch on 21st May 2023. Google claims that Gemini is their most capable and general model yet.

So, what exactly is Google Gemini? How can you use it? And how does it compare to its competition such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT? In this article, we will answer these questions alongside learning about use cases and understanding the different models available for Gemini.

For starters, Gemini was developed by Google’s AI research labs DeepMind and Google Research. It was divided into three models: Ultra, Pro, and Nano. Essentially all models are trained to be natively multimodal. Meaning that they can work with more than just text prompts.

Why Did Google Rename Bard to Gemini and When?

Google renamed Bard to Gemini on 1st February 2024. There is no accurate answer to why Google renamed Bard to Gemini, but, discussions on Hacker News suggest that Google made an “attempt to start over because Bard came to be known as a not-so-good AI”.

However, Google’s CEO claimed that Gemini is their overall approach to how they will build the most capable and safe AI model. At the same time, Bard was just a direct way for people to interact with the core model, that is Gemini. So it only makes sense to evolve it.

How Does Google Gemini Work?

Google’s Gemini operates as a sophisticated LLM (Large Language Model) that is trained on extensive datasets (similar to ChatGPT) consisting of text and code. This enables Gemini to handle various tasks across different modalities including text, audio, images, video, and code.

The training allows Google Gemini to perform a wide range of functions such as generating text-based responses, translating different languages, crafting creative content, and providing informative answers to queries.

It’s important to note that, unlike ChatGPT, Google Gemini can access real-time information from the web and use it to generate responses with references from the latest news updates.

Use Cases: What Can You Use Google Gemini For?

The potential applications of Google Gemini are vast and diverse, spanning various industries and sectors. Here are four common use cases of Google Gemini:

1. Automation Efficiency: By integrating Gemini into automation processes, you can expand to more complex tasks, increase accuracy, and improve efficiency in areas like data entry, document summarization, translation, and coding.

2. Advanced Data Analytics: Gemini can understand different data types, and you can use that capability for advanced data analytics, conducting analyses, deriving insights, and making predictions that drive informed decision-making.

3. Enhanced Personalization: You can use Gemini to create personalized experiences, such as tailored product recommendations, content creation, and graphic design. (This advanced use case requires technical knowledge to integrate Gemini with third-party integrations).

4. Improved Customer Experience: Gemini can also function as a chatbot/virtual assistant that can engage in natural conversations, provide personalized responses, and resolve customer issues based on the knowledge base provided.

Understanding Google Gemini Apps And Models

Google Gemini has an ecosystem that consists of three distinct models – Nano, Pro, and Ultra. Here’s the difference between them:

Gemini Nano: Nano is optimized for quick on-device tasks. This includes features such as Smart Reply in Gboard and can also enhance the capabilities of devices like the Pixel 8 Pro.

Gemini Pro: This is a versatile mid-tier model that excels in reasoning, planning, and understanding tasks, handling longer and more complex reasoning chains.

Gemini Ultra: The Gemini Ultra is the flagship model that Google claims to be its “Powerhouse” that can tackle complex tasks such as helping with physics homework, identifying scientific papers, and generating formulas for charts. It can also support image generation and is available through Vertex AI and Google’s AI Studio.

Is Google Gemini Better Than OpenAI’s GPT-4?

Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT (GPT-4) are leading AI models with distinct strengths. However, based on available data – Gemini excels in multimodal understanding, integrating text, images, and code for complex reasoning. Its more prominent capability is to retrieve up-to-date information and train on it.

On the other hand, ChatGPT stands out in conversational abilities and creative responses. It is also adaptable across many applications from customer service to creative writing. Ultimately, the “better option” is the one that is suitable for you.

• Gemini is suitable for tasks that require real-time information and complex reasoning.
• ChatGPT is suitable for natural conversations and creative output.
• Both can be integrated with third-party applications or used to develop custom chatbots.

Below is a table summarizing the comparison between Gemini Ultra and GPT-4 based on their performance in various benchmarks:

This table shows the key differences and similarities between the two based on their comparative strengths and performance-specific tasks.

Google Gemini Advanced Pricing

Before diving into the pricing, it is important to note that “Google Gemini” and “Google Gemini for Google Workspace” are different services. In addition, the Gemini API has its very own pricing. Therefore, when searching the internet, you are likely to find yourself stuck in a loop of different pricing plans.

Google Gemini is free to use but Google Gemini Advances is priced at $19.99 per month. You can also find the “Try Gemini Advanced” button within the Gemini environment to purchase a 3 months free trial.

Final Thoughts

Google’s Gemini, formerly Bard, is a leading AI platform that can handle various modalities, access real-time information, and offers three different models (Nano, Pro, and Ultra). You can use Gemini for automation efficiency, advanced data analytics, enhanced personalization, and improved customer experiences.

While both OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Gemini are advanced AI platforms, Gemini has an edge because of its real-time information retrieval and complex reasoning capabilities.