One of ChatGPT's main rivals, Google Bard, has undergone a notable rebranding: it is now known under the new name Gemini. Along with the new name, users also received extended functionality. In the SPEKA material, what is Gemini, how it differs from its predecessor and how to use it.
What Gemini is: the evolution of the Google Bard
Gemini is Google's AI assistant, formerly known as Bard. Its work is provided by the powerful large language model (LLM) with the same name - Gemini. The service is available in more than 230 countries and supports more than 40 languages, making it one of the most versatile chatbots.
The launch of Bard was first announced by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on February 6, 2023. Already on March 21 of the same year, the bot was officially launched. And almost a year later, in February 2026, the platform received a new name — Gemini.
This artificial intelligence tool can do a lot: it helps write texts, solves mathematical problems, works with code. Starting in February 2026, it can also create images - although for now only in English and not everywhere.
Why did Bard become Gemini?
On February 8, 2026, Google announced that Bard is no longer Bard — it's now Gemini. The reason is simple: the platform has been significantly updated. Initially, it was based on a simplified version of the LLM called LaMDA. It was later replaced by a newer model — PaLM 2.
In December 2023, another breakthrough occurred: Google presented the most powerful model at that time — Gemini AI. It became the basis for the updated chatbot, so it was logical to give it an appropriate name. And already in February 2026, Bard officially turned into Gemini.
Together with the rebranding, the company launched a new premium version — Gemini Advanced, which uses the model Ultra 1.0 — the flagship among all Google LLMs. The subscription costs UAH 909.99 per month and is available in Ukraine. A mobile application has also appeared, although currently only for Android users and not in all countries.
How to get started with Gemini
To run Gemini in your browser, simply go to gemini.google.com and sign in to your Google account. The service works with popular browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera and Edgium.
To start the chat, it is enough to press the button "Chat with Gemini". If you are interested in the extended version — Gemini Advanced, it is activated through a subscription costing UAH 910 per month.
In addition to the web version, there are also mobile options:
- Android: a special Gemini application that can also act as a voice assistant (unfortunately, it is not yet available in Ukraine).
- iOS: Gemini integration is implemented through the Google app (on iPhone with iOS 16 and later versions).
How to use Google Gemini effectively
Google Gemini is not just a tool, but a real digital assistant capable of adapting to a wide variety of tasks. With its help you can:
- conduct creative sessions, formulate strategies or look for non-standard approaches to solving problems;
- quickly get the gist of confusing or scientific topics presented in an accessible form;
- create drafts of texts: from blogs and letters to presentation notes;
- automate content writing for websites, social networks or other digital platforms;
- generate illustrations, images based on the description;
- concisely convey the content of long articles or web materials;
- come up with catchy slogans, subheadings or creative descriptions;
- receive personalized travel or entertainment advice, complemented by a visual array.
This is only a basic list - the functionality of the platform is much wider and varies depending on your needs.
Where to start?
After authorization in the system, a text field will open for you to enter requests. Don't know what to ask? No problem—Gemini will offer sample pre-made questions that you can use as a template or inspiration.
Do you want to voice a question? Just click the microphone icon next to the input field - pre-authorize the web app to access your device's microphone.
To start a new conversation, use the "New Chat" button at the top of the screen on the left.
How to upload an image for analysis?
Gemini allows you to download files to get more information about them. Click "Upload file", choose an image (JPG, PNG, WebP formats) - and after uploading, enter your request. For example, you can ask: "What is shown in the photo?" or "Analyze this infographic."
Image generation
Want Gemini to create something visual based on the description? Just write: "Generate". We advise you to formulate such requests in English - this way you will increase the probability of accurate execution.
Listening to the answer
To listen to the chatbot's response, click the sound icon in the upper corner of the message. You can stop or pause the playback by pressing the Pause button.
Checking information on Google
The information provided by Gemini can be further verified through Google. To do this, click the Google icon under the answer. After checking, the system will highlight fragments in the text with different confidence using colors.
Life hacks for effective use of Gemini
In order to receive the most accurate and useful answers, it is important to correctly formulate requests. Here are some tips:
How to make a query that Gemini will "understand"?
The key to success is a clear task. Instead of the general "Give an example of a campaign" it is better to write: "Prepare a short (up to 200 words) summary of an effective marketing campaign".
It is important to give context: subject, style, target audience - all this will help Gemini to adjust more precisely. For example, if you ask for a concise retelling of the article, add a link to it and describe for whom and in what style it should be designed.
Show an example
Give a sample of the desired tone or structure. This can be a text excerpt from another source or a previous reply from Gemini. This will make it easier for him to mimic the style you expect.
Set the role
Give the bot a role and it will adapt the pitch accordingly. For example: "Imagine that you are a seven-year-old child wishing grandma a happy birthday". This approach affects tone, phrasing, and even word choice.
Choose the format of the result
Please indicate clearly in what form you want to receive the answer: poem, list, code, script, essay, dialogue, etc. This will help Gemini shape the content in the right structure.
Specify the desired style
It is also important to ask tone of voice (tone of voice). Ask, for example, to make the text business-like, humorous, persuasive or just friendly - the result will correspond to the style of your brand or personal style.
🔹 Advice: the more details, examples, and context you provide, the closer the result will be to what you expect.