Google to rebrand AI Chatbot 'Bard' as 'Gemini', will have a free and paid app launching soon

In a move set to redefine its generative AI-powered chatbot landscape, Google is reportedly gearing up to rebrand its existing chatbot, ‘Bard,’ to the new moniker, ‘Gemini.’ Over the past few months, the tech behemoth has been diligently enhancing its Gemini-powered AI chatbot, unveiling a string of new features. A recent update notably introduced the capability for image generation, marking a significant stride in the chatbot’s capabilities.

The information about the impending rebranding was brought to light through a recent post by Dylan Roussel, an Android app developer, on X. This revelation aligns with earlier reports from 9to5Google, further solidifying the likelihood of Google Bard undergoing a nomenclature shift to Gemini.

A leaked photo accompanying the post displays a changelog dated February 7, 2024, hinting at the name change and offering a sneak peek into forthcoming features.

The leaked changelog not only suggests the rebranding but also hints at the introduction of an ‘Advanced’ tier, powered by Gemini Ultra. This represents Google’s most advanced large language model to date, potentially surpassing the capabilities of OpenAI’s GPT-4, which powers ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft Copilot.

What captures attention in the changelog is the indication that access to Gemini Advanced will be restricted behind a paywall. Google asserts that this formidable large language model is adept at “performing complex tasks like logical reasoning, coding, following nuanced instructions, and creative collaboration.”

Additionally, the company plans to enhance Gemini Ultra’s capabilities in the “coming months,” focusing on its capacity to deeply analyze files, data, documents, and more.

Notably, the unveiling of the Gemini app for Android devices stands out as a pivotal aspect of Google’s strategy. The company asserts that the new app will revolutionize learning methods, aid in writing thank-you notes, planning events, and more, all powered by Google AI on mobile devices.

The integration of Gemini with various Google services such as Gmail, Maps, and YouTube is anticipated. While Android users are set to receive a dedicated app, iOS users may access Gemini through the existing Google app. The imminent changes signal Google’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities and integrating them seamlessly into users’ daily interactions.

(With inputs from agencies)