South Africa Becomes First African Country to Get Google’s Latest AI Chatbot Gemini
Google has announced that South Africa will be the first African country to receive its latest AI chatbot, called Gemini. The tech giant will roll out a new mobile experience for Gemini, offering users the ability to type, talk, or add images to receive help on the go. Users can take a picture of a flat tire and ask for instructions, generate a custom image for a dinner party invitation, or seek assistance with writing a difficult text message. Google sees this as an important step in building a true AI assistant that is conversational, multimodal, and helpful.
One of the reasons Google selected South Africa as the launch market for Gemini is the significant increase in AI-related Google searches in the country. In the past year alone, searches related to AI have risen by 370%, while over the last five years, they have soared by an impressive 650%. This demonstrates South Africa’s growing interest and curiosity in AI technology.
Excitement around the launch of Gemini is further amplified by the announcement of a subscription service for Gemini Advanced. Available for R429,99 per month, with a two-month free trial, the subscription provides users with access to Google’s latest advancements in AI. Subscribers can also enjoy the benefits of the existing Google One Premium plan, including 2TB of storage. Additionally, AI Premium subscribers will soon be able to leverage Gemini in popular Google applications such as Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets.
Gemini Advanced, powered by Ultra 1.0, Google’s most capable AI model, is designed to handle highly complex tasks such as coding, logical reasoning, nuanced instructions, and collaborating on creative projects. Initially available in English, the language options will expand to include more languages, reaching users in over 150 countries and territories.
This move by Google demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing AI technology and making it more accessible to users worldwide. By introducing Gemini as a versatile AI chatbot, Google aims to enhance the productivity and convenience of its users by providing assistance in various aspects of their daily lives. South Africa’s selection as the launch market is a testament to the country’s growing tech-savvy population and its increasing demand for AI solutions.
With Gemini’s arrival, South Africans can look forward to a smarter, more conversational AI assistant that will undoubtedly revolutionize the way they interact with technology. As Google continues to expand the capabilities of its AI models, users can expect even greater innovation and advancement in the field of artificial intelligence.
