Google’s Gemini isn’t the generative AI model we expected
TechCrunchNov 28, 2023
The Facts
Google has announced the new Gemini model of its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named Bard, claiming it outperforms ChatGPT and offers "advanced reasoning" across multiple formats. Gemini, the first new release since tech firms attended an AI safety summit in the UK last month, outperformed ChatGPT's latest model, GPT-4, on 30 out of 32 benchmark tests, including reasoning and image understanding.
The first version of Gemini comes in three varieties, including Gemini Ultra for "highly complex tasks," Gemini Pro for "a wide range of tasks," and Gemini Nano, which can be used for specific tasks and on mobile devices. The model can also program code in languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
The Spin
Narrative A
While the jury is still out on whether GPT-4 or Bard has a higher potential, Google's Gemini model seems to to outperforming its OpenAI counterpart at the current moment. Not only has it outscored the competition in 30 of 32 benchmarks, but it can respond to code, audio, images, and videos, not all of which can be processed by GPT. To top it all off, Bard's Gemini model is now the only AI model easily integrated into smartphones.
Narrative B
While Bard has certainly progressed since launching, ChatGPT's earlier release and Microsoft's significant investment propelled it ahead in user base and technological advancement. Google's hurried and flawed announcement of Bard further cemented ChatGPT's lead, while key personnel departures from Google due to safety concerns hindered its progress. Technological superiority doesn't matter if Google can't steal users from OpenAI.