Alphabet’s Google launched the second generation of its AI model Gemini, showcasing advancements designed to extend AI use beyond chatbots.
The announcement included an updated Flash model with enhanced capabilities for processing images and audio, and the promise of additional updates next year.
CEO Sundar Pichai described the development as the beginning of a “new agentic era,” characterized by virtual assistants capable of greater autonomy and proactive decision-making under user supervision. Google aims to leverage Gemini’s advancements to strengthen its position in the competitive AI landscape, where rivals like OpenAI have drawn attention with innovations such as ChatGPT.
Gemini 2.0 is offered in four versions, with the updated Flash model positioned as an accessible option for developers and businesses. This release underscores Google’s strategy of embedding its AI advancements into widely used applications, such as Search, Android, and YouTube, which collectively reach over 2 billion monthly users.
The launch comes amid a wave of innovation in the AI sector, including OpenAI’s recent introduction of a $200-a-month ChatGPT subscription for advanced research and its text-to-video tool, Sora. Meanwhile, startups like Perplexity and research labs such as Anthropic and xAI continue to challenge established players. By integrating AI into its core platforms, Google aims to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
