What Is Google's AI Called?

Overview

Google’s conversational AI is called Gemini. The name refers both to Google’s user-facing Gemini app and assistant experience and to the family of AI models that powers it. So, if someone asks “what is Google AI called?” and means Google’s chatbot, the short answer is Gemini. Google also develops other AI models and features, so Gemini is not the name of every AI system the company makes. (Google Bard is now Gemini: How to try Ultra 1.0 and new mobile app; Gemini — Google DeepMind)

What the name Gemini refers to

The Gemini app and assistant

The Gemini app is the service people can use to chat with Google’s AI. Depending on the available features, users can ask questions, work with text or uploaded content, and use connected Google services. The app is one way to access Gemini models; it is not itself a single model. Google also offers Gemini through products and developer services such as Google AI Studio and the Gemini API. (Use Gemini Apps - Computer - Gemini Apps Help; Gemini — Google DeepMind)

The Gemini model family

Gemini is also the name of a family of AI models developed by Google. Google announced Gemini 1.0 in December 2023 and described it as multimodal: its models were designed to work across information types such as text, code, audio, images and video. Google’s original Gemini 1.0 announcement described three model sizes—Ultra, Pro and Nano—intended for different uses, including complex tasks, a broad range of applications and on-device operation. Model names and available versions change over time. (Introducing Gemini: Google’s most capable AI model yet)

This distinction is useful: Gemini is both an app/assistant brand and a model-family name, but the app is not identical to any one model. Which model or feature a user gets can depend on the product, plan, device and availability. Google says Gemini Apps’ usage limits and feature access may change. (Gemini Apps limits & feature availability - Gemini Apps Help)

Google’s documentation describes Gemma as a distinct family of open models built from the same research and technology used to create Gemini models. That is one reason “Google AI” is broader than just “Gemini.” (Gemma models overview | Google AI for Developers)

From Bard to Gemini

Google’s conversational AI was previously called Bard. Google first announced the Gemini model family in December 2023, then announced on February 8, 2024 that Bard would be renamed Gemini, aligning the chatbot’s name with Google’s model family. (Introducing Gemini: Google’s most capable AI model yet; Google Bard is now Gemini: How to try Ultra 1.0 and new mobile app)

Google described the 2025 change as an upgrade of the mobile assistant experience, not as a claim that every instance of Google Assistant had already disappeared. Its announcement said that tablets, cars, wearables and home devices would also move toward Gemini experiences, while Assistant would continue on some devices in the meantime. (The Assistant experience on mobile is upgrading to Gemini)

Is Gemini the same as Google Assistant?

No. Google Assistant was Google’s voice-assistant service for tasks such as spoken requests and device controls. Gemini is Google’s generative-AI model family and the name of its conversational AI app and newer assistant experiences. Google announced plans to move many mobile users from Assistant to Gemini, but transition timing and features can differ by device. Google has also introduced a Gemini-powered experience for Google Home devices. (The Assistant experience on mobile is upgrading to Gemini; Google launches Gemini for Home for smart home products)

Google Search’s AI features are another related but distinct category. Features such as AI Overviews or AI Mode are part of Search; Gemini models may power aspects of them, but the feature names are not alternate names for the Gemini app. Google’s product materials list Gemini and AI Mode separately. (Experience AI in our products and experimental tools — Google AI)

What can people use Gemini for?

The Gemini app is designed for conversational tasks such as asking questions, drafting or revising text, working through coding problems and interacting with images or other supported inputs. Google’s support pages also describe features such as file analysis and connected apps. What is available can vary by country, account type, device and subscription; some features have usage limits or require a paid plan. (Use Gemini Apps - Computer - Gemini Apps Help; Gemini Apps limits & feature availability - Gemini Apps Help)

Gemini can make mistakes, including presenting inaccurate information as factual. Google advises users to double-check responses and not rely on Gemini for professional advice. For high-stakes or factual questions, verify important claims against authoritative sources. (Use Gemini Apps - Computer - Gemini Apps Help; Gemini Apps Privacy Hub - Gemini Apps Help)

In brief

The answer to “what is the name of Google’s AI?” is usually Gemini, when the question means Google’s chatbot or conversational assistant. More precisely, Gemini names both Google’s AI app experience and its underlying model family. Bard is the chatbot’s former name; Google Assistant is a related legacy assistant service; and Google’s wider AI portfolio includes separate models and AI features.