SAN FRANCISCO - Alphabet's Google has introduced the Gemini smartphone app on Apple's App Store, enhancing its artificial intelligence chatbot capabilities on iOS. The app features Gemini Live, a voice-based function enabling users to engage in natural conversations with the AI.
Brian Marquardt, a senior director of product management at Google, highlighted the app's utility for interview preparation, travel advice, and creative brainstorming. Gemini serves as Google's alternative to OpenAI's ChatGPT, initially launched in February 2023 as Bard.
The voice feature was first announced in August and subsequently made available on Android devices. Gemini Live replaces the eight-year-old Google Assistant, which utilized older AI technology.
In a bid for efficiency, Google laid off hundreds from its Voice Assistant team in January and recently merged the Gemini app team with DeepMind, its AI research lab. This consolidation aims to enhance AI model development amid challenges faced by traditional methods.