Google Assistant’s Transformation: The Rise of Gemini 🌟

Google Assistant Users Can Now Switch to One of Google's Gemini AI Models for Query Responses, Artwork Generation, and More

Google Assistant now partially powered by Gemini | ENBLE

A new era is upon us! Google Assistant, the trusty virtual helper we’ve come to know and love, is undergoing a major makeover.

Late last year, Google injected some serious AI mojo into its chatbot sidekick, Bard, and integrated its capabilities into Google Assistant. This powerful fusion enabled Assistant to make sense of images, draw on data in emails and documents, and more. But Google didn’t stop there. Now, the company is introducing its newer GenAI tech family, called Gemini, which will power the conversational skills of the updated Google Assistant experience. 🔥

So, what’s changing? Well, for Android users, there will be a new Gemini app that replaces the existing Google Assistant app. And iOS users will receive an updated Google app in the coming weeks. With these updates, users will have access to an entirely new mobile-only Google Assistant experience fueled by Gemini’s AI models. 📱

But what exactly can we expect from this Gemini-powered Assistant? 😮

Imagine an overlay that acts as a frontend for the Gemini models, providing you with contextual recommendations and suggestions. Sissie Hsiao, Google Assistant’s VP, explains, “This overlay allows you to do some really interesting things with Gemini. For example, you can generate a caption based on a picture you’ve already taken and ask questions about an article you’re reading.” It’s like having a personal AI sidekick living right inside your phone! 🤖💁

And the best part? Gemini-powered Assistant can accept not only text and voice commands but also images. Yes, you read that right! You can now upload a picture of a plant and ask Assistant for tips and YouTube videos on how to take care of it. It’s like having a green thumb-on-demand at your service! 🌱💦

But wait, there’s more! Gemini isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s capable of a whole range of GenAI tasks, just like its web-based sibling Bard. With prompts like “Help me craft a text response to my stressed-out friend at work,” “Give me ideas to surprise my concert-loving friend on their birthday,” and “Help me incorporate more plant-based options in my diet,” Gemini will prove to be a conversational genius. Plus, it can even create images! 🎉

Now, hold your horses! If you’re concerned about losing all your ongoing conversations and experiences from the old Assistant, worry not. Google ensures a seamless transition between the Gemini-powered Assistant on mobile and web. All you need is to be signed into the same Google Account across both platforms. Your Assistant experience will seamlessly flow from one device to another. 💬🌐

“But what if I don’t like the Gemini-powered experience?”, you ask. Google has got your back! There’s a handy menu screen in the Assistant app for Android and the Google app for iOS that allows you to switch back to the old models whenever you feel nostalgic. So you can enjoy the best of both worlds! 🔄

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. While the Gemini models are stepping into the limelight, they’re not completely replacing the old models that power Google Assistant… yet. Certain features like quick phrases, timers, calls, and smart home controls will still rely on the trusty old models. Google Maps and other apps integrated with Assistant might also stay loyal to the elder models. Change is good, but sometimes loyalty trumps everything! 🐘

But wait, there’s a catch! The most powerful Gemini model, Gemini Ultra, won’t be freely available to power your Assistant. Instead, it’s gated behind a new subscription called Gemini Advanced, part of Google’s One AI Premium Plan. It’s priced at a humble $20 per month. With Gemini Ultra, you’ll unlock enhanced reasoning, coding, and instruction-following skills. But hey, Google is sweetening the deal! The AI Premium Plan comes with a whopping 2TB of storage, and soon, it will integrate Gemini-powered features into Gmail, Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and more. 📈

So, what does the future hold for us and Google Assistant? 🤔

As of today, the Gemini-powered Assistant is available in English for users in the U.S. But fear not, my international friends, Google has plans to expand its reach to more locations and introduce Japanese and Korean support in the upcoming weeks. We can expect even more exciting capabilities and advancements from Gemini in the near future! The power of AI is evolving, and it looks like Google is leading the charge. 🌍🚀

In conclusion, Google Assistant’s transformation into a Gemini-powered experience marks a significant turning point. It’s a testament to Google’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology in providing users with personalized and efficient assistance. With Gemini Ultra’s advanced capabilities, coders, researchers, and those seeking powerful reasoning skills can explore a whole new dimension of AI. The future of virtual assistance is looking brighter and more exciting than ever! 💫


Bonus Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered! 🔥

Q: Can I switch back to the old Google Assistant if I prefer it?

A: Absolutely! Google understands that change can be daunting, so they’ve provided an option to switch back to the old models at any time. Simply navigate to the menu screen in the Assistant app for Android or the Google app for iOS, and you’ll find the switch waiting for you. Best of both worlds!

Q: Will all my conversations and experiences transfer seamlessly to the Gemini-powered Assistant?

A: Yes, they will! Google ensures a seamless transition between the Gemini-powered Assistant on mobile and the web. As long as you’re signed into the same Google Account across both platforms, your conversations and experiences will sync effortlessly. It’s like having an AI twin that lives in both your phone and browser!

Q: How can I access Gemini Ultra, the most powerful Gemini model?

A: Gemini Ultra and its cutting-edge capabilities, including enhanced reasoning, coding, and instruction-following skills, are part of Google’s new subscription offering called Gemini Advanced. To unlock Gemini Ultra, you’ll need to subscribe to Google’s One AI Premium Plan. It’s priced at $20 per month, but it comes with a generous 2TB of storage and exciting Gemini-powered features across various Google apps.

Q: Will Gemini-powered Assistant be available in other languages?

A: Absolutely! While the initial launch is in English for users in the U.S., Google has plans to expand the availability of the Gemini-powered Assistant to more locations. In the next few weeks, they will introduce Japanese and Korean language support. So, keep an eye out for these exciting updates, global users!


Reference Links: 1. Google Assistant Adds AI Capabilities 2. Gemini Integration with Google Assistant 3. Gemini’s AI Platform 4. Gemini’s Launch in Bard 5. Google One Program


😄 Have you tried the new Gemini-powered Google Assistant? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to give this article a like and share it with your friends. Let’s spread the excitement about the future of AI! 👍✨