Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about the new generative AI platform

Exploring Google's Ambitious Venture: A Deep Dive into Gemini, the Innovative Suite of Generative AI Models, Apps, and Services. Unveiling its Strengths and Weaknesses Through an Informal Review.

Curious about Gemini? Wondering how to leverage its potential? And how does it fare against its rivals?

To stay abreast of Gemini's evolving landscape, we've crafted this insightful handbook, poised to evolve alongside Google's updates, enhancements, and future plans for Gemini.


Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about the new generative AI platform


What is Gemini AI?

Introducing Gemini AI: Google's Cutting-Edge GenAI Model Lineage, Forged by the Collaborative Genius of DeepMind and Google Research. Here's the Breakdown:

  • Gemini Ultra: The Pinnacle of Gemini's Lineup.

  • Gemini Pro: A Streamlined Variant for Lighter Tasks.

  • Gemini Nano: Compact and Versatile, Tailored for Mobile Devices like the Pixel 8 Pro.

What Sets Gemini Apart? Unlike Models like LaMDA, Gemini Embraces Multimodality, Excelling Beyond Text. Trained across a Spectrum of Audio, Images, Videos, Codebases, and Multilingual Text, Gemini Models Redefine AI's Potential.



Deciphering the Distinctions: Unraveling the Variances Between Gemini Apps and Gemini Models

Google's Branding Blunder: Untangling the Relationship Between Gemini and its Web/Mobile Apps (formerly Bard). Contrary to Common Perception, Gemini Apps Act as Gateways to Access Gemini Models, Not as Standalone Entities.

Furthermore, Gemini Apps and Models Operate in a Silo, Detached from Imagen 2, Google's Text-to-Image Model Integrated into Specific Developer Tools and Environments. Confusion Abounds, But You're Not Alone in the Maze.


What can Gemini AI do?

Unveiling Google's Gemini Models: Exploring Multimodal Capabilities and Potential Applications

Google's Gemini models represent a leap in AI innovation, yet their full potential remains untapped. From revolutionizing physics homework to enhancing reasoning and understanding, Gemini promises to redefine problem-solving in various domains.


Gemini Ultra, the flagship model, boasts unparalleled versatility. While its image generation capability remains in development, its prowess in extracting and updating data from scientific papers showcases its potential. Accessible via Vertex AI and AI Studio, Gemini Ultra empowers developers with advanced AI capabilities for a monthly subscription fee.


Gemini Pro, an evolution from LaMDA, demonstrates superior reasoning abilities according to independent studies. With Gemini 1.5 Pro on the horizon, advancements in data processing and multimodal analysis are set to enhance its performance further. Developers can fine-tune Gemini Pro within Vertex AI and AI Studio, tailoring it to specific contexts and integrating third-party APIs for customized applications.


Gemini Nano, a compact iteration, brings AI directly to mobile devices like the Pixel 8 Pro. Powering features such as Summarize in Recorder and Smart Reply in Gboard, Gemini Nano showcases Google's commitment to accessible and efficient AI solutions.

While Google's track record with Gemini's predecessors raises skepticism, the potential of these models to revolutionize AI applications cannot be overlooked.


Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about the new generative AI platform


Is Gemini better than OpenAI’s GPT-4?

Despite Google's repeated claims of Gemini's benchmark superiority, skepticism arises regarding its actual performance. While Google asserts that Gemini Ultra surpasses current benchmarks on numerous academic standards, doubts linger over the significance of these achievements. Similarly, Gemini Pro purportedly excels in tasks like content summarization and brainstorming compared to GPT-3.5, yet concerns persist about its accuracy and reliability.

Although Google highlights marginal improvements over OpenAI's models, critics question the practical significance of these differences. Early feedback reveals shortcomings such as inaccuracies in basic facts, translation difficulties, and subpar coding suggestions, prompting scrutiny from users and academics alike.



Unlocking the Pricing Puzzle: Exploring the Cost of Gemini

Understanding Gemini Pro's Pricing Structure

Initially, Gemini Pro is accessible at no cost within the Gemini apps, AI Studio, and Vertex AI. However, once it transitions out of preview in Vertex AI, users will incur charges. 

Gemini Pro will be priced at $0.0025 per character for input and $0.00005 per character for output. Vertex customers will be billed per 1,000 characters, translating to approximately 140 to 250 words. For models like Gemini Pro Vision, charges apply per image at $0.0025.

For example, summarizing a 500-word article totaling 2,000 characters would cost $5 using Gemini Pro. Similarly, generating content of similar length would amount to $0.1.

As of now, pricing details for Gemini Ultra remain undisclosed.



Exploring Your Options: Accessing Gemini Pro for Trial and Testing

Navigating the Gemini Experience: Where to Test Drive Gemini Pro and Ultra

The Gemini apps provide the simplest gateway to exploring Gemini Pro, where both Pro and Ultra versions are adept at fielding queries across various languages.

For those seeking a deeper dive, Gemini Pro and Ultra are currently available for preview in Vertex AI through an API. While usage is currently free within certain parameters, the API supports select regions like Europe, offering features such as chat functionality and filtering.

Additionally, developers can access Gemini Pro and Ultra through AI Studio, enabling them to iterate prompts and develop Gemini-based chatbots. API keys can then be obtained for integration into applications, or code can be exported to more comprehensive IDEs.

Duet AI for Developers now incorporates Gemini models, enhancing code completion and generation. Furthermore, Google has integrated Gemini models into its development tools for Chrome and the Firebase mobile development platform.

As for Gemini Nano, it currently resides on the Pixel 8 Pro and will expand to other devices in due course. Developers interested in integrating the model into their Android apps can sign up for an exclusive preview.


Is Gemini AI coming to the iPhone?

Possibilities Abound! Rumors Suggest Apple and Google Could Harness Gemini for Future iOS Enhancements. Talks are ongoing, with Gemini potentially joining forces with OpenAI. Apple's Pursuit of GenAI Capabilities adds another layer of intrigue to the mix.


Gemini AI in iPhone



Originally published on February 16, 2024, this post has been revised to reflect the latest insights into Gemini and Google's evolving strategies.