Google One now has over 100 million subscribers, and the company is introducing an AI Premium Plan with features powered by the Gemini AI model. The plan, priced at $19.99/month, includes Gemini Advanced and will soon integrate Gemini into Gmail, Docs, and more. Pricing and availability of Google One plans may vary by region.
Google is reportedly working on a new AI assistant called "Pixie" that will be exclusive to Pixel devices. Powered by Google's new "Gemini" AI model, Pixie is expected to launch first on the Pixel 9 and eventually expand to other devices. This move reflects Google's shift in strategy towards focusing on its own hardware and potentially solving the financial challenges associated with Google Assistant. The future of Google Assistant remains uncertain, but it is possible that it may be phased out to cut costs and make way for the new AI assistant.
Google has made its Gemini AI model available for companies to use through its Vertex AI tool. This integration allows businesses to create their own internal search engines and chatbots without requiring developers. The Gemini-powered capabilities include searching internal information such as company document repositories, enterprise applications, and websites, as well as generating answers and summaries from plain English questions. Google assures customers that they remain in control of their data and that customer data is not used to train the models. Other capabilities rolled out include Imagen 2, which generates logos and image captions, and Duet AI, an AI collaborator on Google Workspace that helps developers code faster. Some Gemini Pro tools are currently free to use until the AI model is rolled out to the general public.
Google cofounder Sergey Brin made a surprise appearance at the company's all-hands meeting, discussing the profound impact of AI and reminiscing about Google's early days. Brin, who has been working on Google's upcoming Gemini AI model, expressed excitement for the future and the ongoing technology revolution. He highlighted the advancements in machine learning models and the potential of increased computation and innovative ideas. Brin's appearance was a rare sight since he and Larry Page stepped back from the company in 2019.