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February 9, 2024
Bonus Episode: From Bard to Gemini: Google's Next-Gen AI Leap Forward

Bonus Episode: From Bard to Gemini: Google's Next-Gen AI Leap Forward

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About the Episode

About the Episode: This bonus episode of the "Generation AI" podcast dives into Google's latest AI development, focusing on the rebranding of its chatbot Bard to Gemini and the release of the new model, Gemini Ultra. The hosts discuss the transition from Bard to Gemini, emphasizing its multimodal capabilities (handling text, image, voice, and video inputs and outputs) and the introduction of advanced features like complex task handling and logical reasoning. Google's move to include a paid AI model, Gemini Advanced, with a subscription to Google One AI premium, marks a significant step in competing with GPT-4. Additionally, Gemini's integration into Google's ecosystem, such as Workspace, and its potential to enhance search capabilities are highlighted. The episode provides insights into the implications of these developments for the higher education sector and the broader AI landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • Bard Rebranded as Gemini: Google rebrands its AI chatbot under the Gemini umbrella, aligning it with its advanced LLM (Large Language Model) family.
  • Gemini Advanced with Ultra Model: Gemini Advanced, powered by Gemini Ultra 1.5, offers capabilities comparable to GPT-4, including nuanced reasoning and multimodal functionality (text, images, voice, and video).
  • Paid AI Subscription: Google introduces a paid subscription, Google One AI Premium Plan, for $19.99/month, offering Gemini Advanced capabilities alongside increased cloud storage.
  • Workspace Integration: Gemini now integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace tools, such as Docs, Sheets, and Gmail, under the “Duet AI” initiative, enhancing in-context productivity.
  • Deepfake Prevention: Google’s integration of SynthID Watermarking aims to tackle the rise of deepfakes by embedding and identifying AI-generated content.

Episode Summary

Gemini: The Evolution of Bard

Google has officially rebranded its AI chatbot Bard as Gemini, unifying its generative AI technologies under the Gemini name. The model powering Gemini Advanced, Ultra 1.5, is designed to rival OpenAI’s GPT-4 in reasoning, coding, and logical task execution.

Why It Matters: The rebranding signifies Google’s commitment to becoming a major player in generative AI, with Gemini positioned as the go-to solution for multimodal functionality.

Introducing Gemini Advanced: A Paid AI Model

With the Google One AI Premium Plan, users can access Gemini Advanced for $19.99/month. This includes:

  • Enhanced capabilities via Gemini Ultra 1.5.
  • Image generation using the Image Gen 2 tool.
  • Real-time internet access for up-to-date results.
  • Integrated functionality with Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Docs, and Sheets.

Key Insight: By adopting a paid model, Google directly competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro, offering advanced features tailored to its ecosystem users.

Multimodal Magic: Gemini’s Competitive Edge

Gemini Ultra introduces multimodal capabilities, allowing users to input and output in various formats—text, images, voice, and video. This mirrors OpenAI’s capabilities while extending to Google’s rich ecosystem, offering real-time search integration and contextual insights.

Example Use Case: A user drafting a report in Google Docs can simultaneously generate visuals, text summaries, and complex analyses without leaving the platform.

Tackling Deepfakes with SynthID Watermarking

Google is integrating SynthID Watermarking into Gemini to combat the growing threat of deepfakes. This technology embeds invisible markers into AI-generated content, ensuring traceability and attribution.

Why It’s Important: As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, tools like SynthID are critical for maintaining trust and transparency in digital media.

Implications for Higher Education

Enhanced Productivity

With Gemini’s integration into Google Workspace, faculty and staff can automate routine tasks like drafting emails, preparing lesson plans, or analyzing student performance data.

Research Revolution

Real-time internet access and multimodal capabilities make Gemini an invaluable tool for research, enabling academics to generate insights and visualizations with unprecedented speed.

Deepfake Awareness

Institutions can leverage SynthID to educate students and staff about the ethical implications of AI and to identify trustworthy sources of information.

Actionable Tip: Universities using Google Workspace should explore Gemini Advanced to streamline workflows, improve productivity, and gain a competitive edge in the adoption of generative AI.

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Ardis Kadiu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
https://twitter.com/ardis

 Dr. JC Bonilla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
https://twitter.com/jbonillx

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook. 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com

 Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Ardis will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI. 

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31. 

Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

People in this episode

Host

Dr. JeanCarlo (J.C.) Bonilla is an executive leader in educational technology and artificial intelligence.

Ardis Kadiu is the Founder and CEO of Element451 and hosts GenerationAI.

Interviewee

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