Gemini (chatbot) facts for kids
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| Developer(s) | Google DeepMind Google AI |
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| Initial release | March 21, 2023 |
| Stable release |
May 21, 2024
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| Operating system | |
| Predecessor | Google Assistant PaLM |
| Available in | 46 languages 239 countries and regions |
| Type | Chatbot |
| License | Proprietary |
Gemini, once known as Bard, is a smart computer program called a chatbot. It was created by Google. Gemini uses a special type of artificial intelligence (AI) called a large language model (LLM). This model helps it understand and create human-like text.
Google developed Gemini to compete with other popular AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Gemini first launched in a small way in March 2023. It then became available in more countries by May 2023. At first, it used an older AI model called PaLM, and before that, LaMDA.
Google had developed LaMDA in 2021 but kept it private. When ChatGPT became very popular in late 2022, Google decided to speed up its own AI efforts. They launched Bard in February 2023. Later, in December 2023, Bard was updated to use the more powerful Gemini AI model. In February 2024, Bard and another Google AI tool, Duet AI, were combined under the single "Gemini" name. A new Gemini app for Android phones was also released. This app can even take the place of Google Assistant on Android devices.
Gemini has received mixed reviews. In February 2024, some users noticed that it created images of historical figures that were not accurate. This led to discussions about how AI models create images.
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How Gemini Was Created
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In November 2022, a company called OpenAI launched ChatGPT. This chatbot quickly became very popular around the world. Google leaders became concerned about how ChatGPT might affect their Google Search engine.
To respond, Google asked many of its teams to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) projects. Even Google's co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who had retired, came back to help. They joined important meetings to plan Google's next steps.
Google had already created an AI model called LaMDA in 2021. However, they had not released it to the public. Some employees wondered if this was a missed chance. Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, explained that Google had similar AI abilities but wanted to be very careful before releasing them.
In early 2023, Google employees were told to work faster on a ChatGPT-like tool. They tested different chatbots, including one called "Apprentice Bard." Pichai told investors that Google planned to make its LaMDA AI more widely available.
Gemini's Journey
First Steps
On February 6, 2023, Google officially announced Bard. This new generative artificial intelligence chatbot was powered by the LaMDA AI model. Bard was first given to a small group of 10,000 "trusted testers." A wider release was planned for later that month.
Jack Krawczyk, who led the Bard project, called it a "collaborative AI service." This meant it was more like a helper than a search engine. Pichai also explained that Bard would be added to Google Search.
Many news outlets and financial experts felt that Google rushed Bard's announcement. This was because their rival, Microsoft, was planning to announce its partnership with OpenAI. Microsoft wanted to add ChatGPT to its Bing search engine. Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, even said, "I want people to know that we made them dance." This showed a new competition between the two big tech companies over the future of AI and search.
After a presentation about Bard in Paris on February 8, Google's stock value dropped significantly. Many viewers noticed an error during the demo. Bard gave wrong information about the James Webb Space Telescope. Google employees criticized the rushed announcement. However, Pichai defended Google's actions, saying they had been working on AI for a long time.
A week later, Pichai asked employees to test Bard for several hours. About 80,000 employees helped test it. Some employees raised concerns about Bard's safety and ethics. Despite these concerns, Google decided to launch the service. In mid-March, Google employees began testing a more advanced version of Bard, called "Big Bard."
Launching Bard
Google opened early access to Bard on March 21, 2023. Users in the U.S. and UK could sign up for a waitlist. Bard was launched as a separate web application. It had a text box where users could type questions. A message warned that the chatbot might sometimes give incorrect or offensive information.
For each question, Bard provided three different answers. Users could then give feedback on how helpful each answer was. Google leaders Sissie Hsiao and Eli Collins said Bard was meant to work alongside Google Search. They had not yet figured out how to make money from the service.
Bard was trained by special contractors hired by Google. These contractors used data from publicly available sources to teach Bard. Google later updated its privacy policy to explain this. Soon after Bard's launch, Google changed its Google Assistant team to focus on Bard instead.
On March 31, Pichai announced that Bard would be "upgraded." It would start using PaLM, a newer and more powerful AI model from Google. Bard also gained the ability to help with computer coding in April. It could work with over 20 programming languages. Google also began working to add Bard to its ChromeOS operating system and Pixel devices.
New Features and Changes
Bard was a main topic at the annual Google I/O event in May 2023. Pichai and Hsiao announced many updates. These included using the PaLM 2 AI model and connecting Bard with other Google products. Bard also became available in 180 countries and supported more languages.
Google tried to launch Bard in the European Union (EU) in June but faced delays. This was due to concerns about data privacy rules. In July, Google successfully launched Bard in the EU and Brazil. They also added many new features for users to personalize and be more productive.
In September, Google released a big update for Bard. It was integrated into many Google products through "extensions." A new button was added to help users check facts in AI-generated answers using Google Search. Users could also share their conversations with Bard. Google also created a new tool called "Google-Extended." This allowed website owners to choose if Bard could use their content for training.
In October, Google announced "Assistant with Bard." This was an improved version of Google Assistant that worked closely with Bard. This showed Google's plan to combine its AI tools.
Becoming Gemini
On December 6, 2023, Google announced Gemini. This was described as Google's "largest and most capable AI model." A special version of Gemini, called Gemini Pro, was added to Bard. A larger version, Gemini Ultra, was planned for a future "Bard Advanced" service.
In February 2024, Bard and Duet AI were officially combined under the single "Gemini" brand. A new Gemini mobile app was launched for Android phones. It was also added to the Google app on iOS devices. On Android, users who downloaded the app could choose to have Gemini replace Google Assistant as their main virtual helper. Google also launched "Gemini Advanced with Ultra 1.0," which required a subscription. Gemini was also added to the Messages app on Android.
Gemini was again a main focus at the 2024 Google I/O event. Google announced that Gemini would be integrated into many products. These included Android, Chrome, Photos, and Google Workspace. Google also previewed "Gemini Live," a voice chat mode, and "Gems," which lets users create their own custom chatbots.
On June 5, 2024, the Gemini Android app became available in Europe. More features, like Spotify support and setting timers, are planned. This launch aims to make Gemini available to even more people. Users can interact with Gemini using text, voice, and images.
