Google Is Preparing a Paid Version of Bard

As spotted by X user bedros_p, Google appears to be preparing to introduce a paid upgrade for Bard Advanced, a 'new, cutting-edge AI experience' announced in December that gives users access to Google's best models and capabilities. Android Police reports: According to the strings, you will be able to 'Try Bard Advanced for 3 months, on us.' After that test period, you will likely have to pay up for the service. A defunct link within the code suggests that it may be part of Google One, but it's not clear if Bard Advanced will be added to all tiers or only more expensive ones with more Google Drive storage. It's also possible that it will be an extra new tier in Google One.

As a refresher, Google launched its most capable AI model yet in December 2023, called Gemini. The LLM is available in three tiers, including a Nano version capable of running on devices like phones and a Pro version currently powering Bard in the US. There is also a Gemini Ultra which isn't public just yet, but supposedly outperforms other LLMs in almost all metrics. Google says that this is the one that will power Bard Advanced.

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