After more than eight months of research and development, Google has unveiled its most powerful A.I. so far. But only parts of it are widely available.
On Wednesday, the tech giant took another step in the ongoing race, releasing a new version of its own chatbot, Google Bard. Available to English speakers in more than 170 territories and countries, including the United States, beginning immediately, the updated bot is underpinned by new A.I. technology called Gemini, which the company has been developing since the start of the year.
“This is the beginning of the Gemini era,” Sundar Pichai, Google’s chief executive, said in an interview. “It’s the realization of the vision we had when we set up Google DeepMind,” the company’s A.I. lab. He said that Google would roll three different versions of the technology into a wide range of products and services in the coming months.
Mr. Pichai and Demis Hassabis, who oversees Google DeepMind, said Gemini was more powerful than Google’s previous chatbot technologies, and that it could generate more-accurate responses and come closer to mimicking human reasoning in some situations.
“We’re superhappy with Gemini’s performance,” Dr. Hassabis said.
When OpenAI wowed the world with the A.I. chatbot ChatGPT late last year, Google was caught flat-footed. The tech giant had spent years developing similar technology, but like other tech giants — most notably Meta — it was reluctant to release a technology that could generate biased, false or otherwise toxic information.
In March, Google released its own chatbot, Bard, to middling reviews. A month later, the company announced that it had combined its two A.I. labs — Google Brain and DeepMind — bringing together more than 2,000 researchers and engineers. And in May, at its flagship Google I/O conference, it announced that the new Google DeepMind lab had started developing Gemini.
After founding the Brain lab in 2011, Google acquired DeepMind in 2014, paying $650 million for the London A.I. start-up. DeepMind operated largely independently of the Brain lab and the rest of Google for a decade and even tried to spin out of the company in 2017. But as Google struggled to catch up with OpenAI, Mr. Pichai combined the two labs under Dr. Hassabis, a neuroscientist who co-founded DeepMind.
Google released benchmark test results claiming that Gemini’s most powerful version outperformed OpenAI’s latest technology, GPT-4, in several key areas. It is better at generating computer code than previous Google technologies, Mr. Pichai said, and it can more accurately summarize news articles and other text documents.
Gemini was also designed to analyze images and sounds, but those skills will not be rolled into the Bard chatbot until a later date.
The three versions of Gemini have different capabilities and the high-end version won’t be available until next year.via Google
Google has built three versions of Gemini with three different sets of skills. The largest, Ultra, is designed to tackle complex tasks and will debut next year. Pro, the mid-tier offering, will be rolled out to numerous Google services, starting Wednesday, with the Bard chatbot. Nano, the smallest version, will power some features on the Pixel 8 Pro smartphone, such as summarizing audio recordings and offering suggested text responses in WhatsApp starting Wednesday.
Gemini is what scientists call a large language model, or L.L.M., a complex mathematical system that can learn skills by analyzing vast amounts of data, including digital books, Wikipedia articles and online bulletin boards. By identifying patterns in all that text, an L.L.M. learns to generate text on its own. That means it can write term papers, generate computer code and even carry on a conversation.
With Gemini, Google has also trained the technology on digital images and sounds. It is what researchers call a “multimodal” system, meaning it can analyze and respond to both images and sounds. If you give it a math problem that includes lines, shapes and other images, for example, it can answer in much the way a high school student would.
That portion of the technology, however, will not be available to consumers until sometime next year. Google also acknowledged that like similar systems, Gemini is prone to mistakes. It can get facts wrong or even “hallucinate” — make stuff up.
Google Cloud, which offers A.I. and computing services to other companies, has been eager to provide clients with Gemini as it competes for deals against OpenAI and Microsoft. After OpenAI briefly forced out Sam Altman, its chief executive, last month, leaving the company in limbo, Google Cloud created a migration plan in an attempt to poach its rival’s customers.
Clients could pay Google the same price as their current OpenAI rate and get cloud credits, or discounts, thrown in.
Google said that cloud customers would have access to Gemini Pro — the mid-tier offering — on Dec. 13. Mr. Pichai said that some outsiders were now testing Gemini Ultra — the most powerful version of the technology.
Though Google has spent the last year racing to retake the A.I. lead from OpenAI, Mr. Pichai said there was enough room in the market for all the A.I. providers.
“It’s so far from a zero-sum game,” Mr. Pichai said. “We have a sense of excitement at what we’re launching. We also realize we’re in very early days because we can see the follow-up progress we are making.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
