Update for Google Gemini: 1.5 Flash for free and new version for teenagers
Google's AI chatbot now uses Gemini 1.5 Flash, hallucinates less and is available in a teens version.
Gemini now runs on Gemini 1.5 Flash
(Image: Google Blogbeitrag)
Gemini is Google's AI chatbot, but also the Large Language Model (LLM) of the same name behind it. The free version of the chatbot now runs on a larger version of the LLM – Gemini 1.5 Flash. According to Google, this should significantly improve the quality and latency of the conversation. In addition, the context window has been expanded to 32,000 tokens, meaning Gemini can process more content at once. Google's generative AI services will also receive further updates.
It is also planned that Gemini will also be able to process files in the free version in future – for example, summarize content or answer questions about it. This was previously reserved for Gemini Advanced, the paid version of the chatbot.
Double check and links against hallucinations
Hallucinations are a well-known problem with large-scale language models that has not yet been solved. Google now wants to counter this further by increasingly pointing to sources. When people search for certain facts on Gemini, they are shown links to websites where they can delve deeper into a topic. Almost like a normal search engine (or just like Google's search), except that you have to click a small arrow to expand the overview of links. However, if connected, Gemini can also display your own emails from Gmail that match a topic.
Google's actual AI search, known as AI Overviews, also contains links next to the continuous text that is supposed to provide an answer. The user interface and conversational style of the chatbot and search do, of course, diverge. According to a study by the SEO platform BrightEdge, only around 15 percent of all search queries on Google are answered with an AI Overview. Google reserves the right to only do this if it makes sense.
Google has also long since introduced a double-check function in the Gemini chatbot. This allows generated answers to be cross-checked using Google Search to see whether statements on the internet are confirmed or refuted. If there are contradictions, you can delve deeper again using the links.
Gemini in Google Messages and as a Teens version
Gemini will also be available in the EU via Google Messages on Android devices. However, initially only French, Polish and Spanish are available, with German to follow soon.
In Germany, the minimum age for managing a Google account is 16. Only then is it possible to use Gemini. Teenagers get a version of the chatbot specially adapted for them – Gemini Teens is also available in German. Google has given the chatbot additional guidelines and safety precautions in this version. There is an onboarding process and AI learning guide "to help teens use AI responsibly", according to the blog post.
(emw)