Gemini is No Longer in the Google App, as Google Pushes it into a Standalone App
Google just pulled its classic “now you see me, now you don’t,” with respect to its AI assistant Gemini, from the main Google app on iOS, but hold your horses, all is not lost. It has been moved into another place, the standalone Gemini app. Whether this is a significant step in AI independence or just another treat that users would hate, remains to be seen.
Gemini, an Artificial Intelligence Assistant, will, however, be one of the first big shifts Google is making in delivering it to its iOS customers. The company now says Gemini will no longer be available in the main Google app on any iOS devices, as users will have to download a separate app called Gemini to use the AI assistant.
The move made by Google indicates the intention to position Gemini more as an independent, consumer-facing AI, directly in competition with others like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, or Perplexity. Although, the risky bit is that the Google app already has millions of users, many of whom may not wish to download a separate app just to access Gemini, limiting its reach.
Official Announcement:
The customers were informed about this change through an email from Google, stating, “Gemini is no longer available in the Google app.” The email goes on to recommend that users wishing to continue using Gemini’s features should download Gemini’s dedicated application that was launched worldwide for iOS users last year. Until this point in time, Gemini had also been made available in the main Google app.
The email also included a warning for the users, reminding them that Gemini still makes mistakes, and they should always fact-check any response given by it. On the other hand, whenever iOS users attempt to open Gemini from the general Google app, a message for full screen now appears saying “Gemini now has its own app” with a link to download it from the App Store.
Gemini App Features and Premium Access:
Standalone Gemini app users on iOS will be entitled to enjoy various AI-related features that includes; live voice conversation with Gemini, connecting with other Google services such as Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail, To Ask questions, make travel plans, and explore topics, avail AI summaries, deep dives, and images, Interact via text, voice, or using a camera. Those in search of advanced AI functionalities will be able to use the Google One AI Premium plan, including Gemini Advanced, with the Gemini app. Users can subscribe to this service through in-app purchase.
Impact of Google’s Strategy Shift:
This strategic change brings opportunities and threats to Google. Although it allows Gemini to move into a standalone app so features can change quicker and compete head-on with AI-enabled chatbots, it would risk losing customers who would resist downloading yet another application. Whether this gamble pays off for Google remains to be seen, but in any case, it adds to the credibility of Google keeping its AI-worshipping leg out there in front of search functionality.
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