Unlocking Google's New Gemini Advanced and Exploring Ultra Free

Google Bard, now rebranded as Gemini, has launched an enhanced version called Gemini Advanced, powered by the Ultra 1.0 language model. Learn how you can explore these new features at no cost.

Google has just rebranded Bard to Gemini and launched Gemini Advanced, an upgraded version of the popular AI chatbot. Even though Bard's initial release nearly a year ago felt a bit rushed, it has since become a strong competitor to ChatGPT. Last summer, DeepMind CEO Demis Hassibis hinted that Gemini would outperform GPT-4, and early reports suggest that Gemini Ultra 1.0 does indeed surpass GPT-4 in various benchmark tests. Interestingly, Google has made the Premium version of Gemini, called Gemini Advanced and powered by Ultra 1.0, available for free to users. This guide will show you how to sign up and use Gemini Advanced without paying anything, so you can decide for yourself if this AI tool is truly set to transform the industry as many expect.

Gemini's Relaunch: Formerly Known as Bard

This week, Google rebranded its main generative AI tool, changing the name from Bard to Gemini. Previously, "Gemini" referred to a group of large language models, such as Gemini Ultra, Gemini Pro, and Gemini Nano. Now, the name Gemini is specifically used for the chatbot itself. The new Gemini chatbot is powered by Gemini Pro, which has taken over from PaLM 2, the model that had been driving Bard since last December. Before PaLM 2, Bard used the LaMDA model, which caused some controversy when a Google employee was fired for claiming it had become sentient. The updated Gemini interface also allows users to easily access their chat history from previous conversations with Bard, making it easy to pick up right where they left off.

Unlocking Gemini Advanced and Ultra 1.0 for Free: A Step-by-Step Guide

You can use the free version of Gemini just like you did with Bard—just log in to your Google account and visit the Bard page. Right now, if you sign up for Google One AI Premium, you get two months of free access to Gemini Advanced. After the trial, it costs $19.99 per month, similar to other premium AI services like ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, and Copilot Pro.

While many users can access the Gemini chatbot, Gemini Advanced isn't available everywhere or to all Google account holders. Google has stated that Gemini Advanced isn't offered in some countries and isn't accessible for certain work accounts, especially for users under a specific age. However, it's available in the US, and using a VPN is a common and legal way to access software that's restricted by region. If you want to try this out, you can start with one of the best budget-friendly VPNs, as recommended in our guide.

Read more: Google AI

Bard vs Gemini: What's the Difference?

Regarding the free version accessible to all users, there are only minor adjustments, primarily focused on interface enhancements aimed at reducing visual distractions, enhancing legibility, and simplifying navigation. 

However, for Gemini Advanced, the transformation goes beyond a mere name change—it represents a substantial upgrade. Powered by Ultra 1.0 LLM, Gemini Advanced surpasses its predecessors, LaMDA and PaLM2, in terms of capabilities. Google asserts in the chatbot's release notes that Gemini Advanced excels at complex tasks such as coding, logical reasoning, nuanced instruction comprehension, and creative collaboration. 

Unlike LaMDA and PaLM2, Ultra 1.0 demonstrates the potential to compete with and even outperform GPT-4 across various tasks and tests. While the full extent of Ultra 1.0's capabilities remains uncertain, it is evident that 2024 promises to be another groundbreaking year for artificial intelligence.

Read more: What is ChatGPT AI? Here's everything you need to know

Read more: Google Gemini AI Full Guide (2024)