Google’s generative artificial intelligence, Gemini, is now available in Canada.
Since this Thursday at 8 a.m., Canadian users have had access to this ChatGPT competitor. Formerly known as Bard, this AI was opened to the public last March, in English and in 180 countries, excluding Canada. It was only almost 11 months later that it became accessible here, in English and in “Quebec French,” said a Google spokesperson, product manager Jules Walter, during a video meeting. with journalists on Wednesday.
PHOTO SCOTT SCHILLER, PROVIDED BY GOOGLE
Jules Walter, product manager at Google.
“It’s not a new chatbotit’s a new state of mind, capable of longer conversations and more meaningful exchanges,” he said.
Paid and smarter
Gemini, initially, will only be available with a web browser, at gemini.google.com. The free version will be available to everyone, while a more advanced experience, called Gemini Advanced, will require a subscription costing $26.99. This package will also provide access to a set of services within a plan called “Google One AI Premium”.
In addition to unlimited use of Gemini, for the generation of texts and images, subscribers will be entitled to 2 TB of cloud storage space and the integration of Gemini with tools such as Gmail, Docs, Slides and Sheets.
This paid version is “more efficient for very complex tasks”, it is specified, in particular for coding, logical reasoning, following nuanced instructions and “creative collaboration”.
This AI will also benefit from the entire Google ecosystem, from YouTube to its search engine via Maps, to enrich its responses.
“Very soon,” promises Mr. Walter, Gemini will be available on a mobile application, standalone for Android devices, integrated into the Google app on iOS. It was not possible to try Gemini before its official launch.
Cross-check
When it was officially announced in February 2023, the generative AI known as Bard made factual errors that were highlighted in broad strokes. This time, with Gemini, Google is being careful: warning messages about the fact that this AI “may display incorrect information” are displayed with each request. We even went further by offering a function called “Double Check”. It is possible, after obtaining a response, to click on the multi-colored “G” at the bottom of the screen to request a cross-check of the facts stated by Gemini. Those that are validated are highlighted in green.
“It has been very important for us to take a responsible, fair and inclusive approach, focusing on the quality of the experience and safety,” said Jules Walter.