Recent data shows a substantial surge in AI-related Google searches in South Africa, witnessing a 370% increase in the past year and an impressive 650% increase over the last five years.
A global survey by Google reveals South Africans experiencing AI’s impact on information access, learning, and work.
In response, Google unveils the next phase of its Gemini era, transforming beyond AI models into an ecosystem.
Bard, designed for direct access to Google’s AI models, is now rebranded as Gemini, representing their most advanced family of models.
Gemini Advanced, part of the Google One AI Premium Plan at R429.99 per month, introduces Ultra 1.0—a sophisticated AI model.
Initially in English, it excels in complex tasks like coding and logical reasoning, with plans to expand language support.
A new mobile experience for Gemini and Gemini Advanced is introduced with the Gemini app on Android and the Google app on iOS.
Launching in the US initially, it will be available in English in South Africa next week, offering a conversational and multimodal AI assistant.
Google emphasizes a bold and responsible approach to global AI deployment, incorporating safety measures to address issues such as unsafe content and bias in alignment with their AI Principles.
