Google’s Bard AI: Unveiling the New Face of Tech as Google Gemini

If you were to quiz a hundred individuals on the street about the name of Google's generative artificial intelligence product, chances are 98 of them would draw a blank unless you were in San Jose. Originally dubbed "Bard," a name that inadvertently linked generative AI with British writers and D&D enthusiasts with a history of flubbing their sexual harassment training, the product has now undergone a rebrand to "Google Gemini." This new umbrella term encompasses Google's generative AI, now seamlessly integrated into various workplace tools like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. With features like "Personal tutor" and assistive writing for "More advanced coding scenarios" tucked behind the Gemini Advanced paywall, users can expect to fork out a steep $19.99 monthly fee on top of a Google One subscription, a price that may seem exorbitant considering the utility provided - for instance, $20 per month nets you a generous 2TB of cloud storage. However, this pricing aligns with premium offerings from competitors like ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot AI tools. Despite Google's claims of years of AI development, the rebranding of this product appears more like a strategic facelift to garner renewed interest. As an avid user of various Google services daily, both for personal and professional use, and a long-time Android enthusiast, I have yet to see the allure of engaging with Bard or Duet. Notably, Google's tendency to shuffle services around, such as the recent integration of Google Podcasts into YouTube, hints at a certain unpredictability in its product strategies. Ultimately, if Google struggles to captivate users with its latest innovative software offerings, the fault likely lies with its own wavering direction.

Olivia Wilson February 13, 2024

Google's Bard AI: Unveiling the New Face of Tech as Google Gemini

Have you heard about Google’s latest foray into the world of artificial intelligence? If you ask the average person on the street what Google’s generative AI product is called, chances are you’ll be met with a blank stare – unless you happen to be in tech-savvy San Jose. Previously known as “Bard,” this AI tool recently underwent a rebranding and is now known as “Google Gemini.” The new moniker seems to conjure up images of British playwrights and Dungeons & Dragons players who may have skipped their sexual harassment prevention training.

Google Gemini is not just a fancy name; it represents a significant step for Google in integrating generative AI into its suite of workplace products. This umbrella term encompasses various AI capabilities that are now seamlessly integrated into familiar services like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. Users may recall hearing whispers of this integration under the name “Duet.” However, the more advanced features of Gemini, such as being a “Personal tutor” or assisting in “More advanced coding scenarios,” come with a price tag. To access these premium features, users will need to pay a hefty $19.99 per month on top of their Google One plan.

Now, $19.99 a month may seem steep for AI assistance, especially when you consider that the same amount can get you 2TB of cloud storage space. However, this pricing is on par with premium versions of similar AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot. Google has been quick to tout its long history of AI development, but some critics view this rebranding as a desperate attempt to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

As a long-time user of Google products, both personally and professionally, I must admit that I have yet to see the allure of Bard, Duet, or now, Gemini. It’s not the first time Google has struggled to gain traction with new offerings – just look at the recent integration of Google Podcasts into YouTube. If Google wants users to embrace its latest AI tool, it may need to rethink its strategy and focus on delivering real value to its users.

In the ever-changing world of technology, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Whether Google Gemini will be a game-changer or just another blip on the radar remains to be seen. For now, I’ll stick to my tried-and-true Google tools and keep an eye on how this latest AI venture unfolds.