Bard users in South Africa can now access Gemini Pro and generate AI images

In December, Google introduced Gemini, which is its most extensive and advanced AI model, and also unveiled plans to integrate a customized version, Gemini Pro, into Bard.

The tech giant has now expanded the availability of Gemini Pro in Bard to users in South Africa, as part of its broader initiative to extend Gemini Pro to more languages and regions. It also made an announcement that it is introducing image generation to Bard, aimed at giving life to creative ideas.

This enhancement follows the December announcement, where Gemini Pro was initially introduced to Bard for English users, providing advanced capabilities in understanding, reasoning, summarizing, and coding. The expansion now allows Bard users in over 40 languages and more than 230 countries and territories to access Gemini Pro services.

The incorporation of Gemini Pro in Bard is expected to empower users to collaborate with the most efficient and capable version of Bard to date. The Large Model Systems Organization, a prominent evaluator of language models and chatbots, has recognized Bard with Gemini Pro as one of the preferred chatbots, noting a significant advancement. Google’s blind evaluations with third-party raters have positioned Bard with Gemini Pro as a top-performing chatbot compared to other free and paid alternatives. 

Responding to user preferences for verification, Google is enhancing its double-check feature, extending it from English to over 40 languages. Users can click on the “G” icon to have Bard evaluate its response and check for corroborating or contradictory information on the web. 

In the latest update, Google is offering users the ability to generate images in English across most countries worldwide at no cost. This feature is powered by the updated Imagen 2 model, focusing on delivering high-quality, photorealistic outputs with a balance of quality and speed. Users can simply input a description, such as “create an image of a dog riding a surfboard,” and Bard will generate custom visuals to bring the idea to life. 

Google emphasizes its commitment to responsible AI practices, ensuring that the image generation feature aligns with AI Principles to maintain consistent quality.