In a surprise move following an effort by rival OpenAI to purchase the start-up, Google recently revealed that it has hired a number of senior employees from AI code generation start-up Windsurf.
According to a person familiar with the agreement, Google is paying $2.4 billion in license fees as part of the agreement to use parts of Windsurf’s technology on non-exclusive terms. According to a media report, Google will not acquire a stock or any kind of controlling position in Windsurf.
Co-founder Douglas Chen, Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan, and a few members of the coding tool’s R&D team will join Google’s DeepMind AI group.
According to media reports from June, the deal came after months of talks between Windsurf and OpenAI to sell the company for a price that may reach $3 billion. This deal demonstrated the interest in the code-generation field, which has become one of the fastest-growing AI applications.
The New Team to Work Primarily on Gemini Project
The former Windsurf team will work mostly on the Gemini project at Google DeepMind, where they will concentrate on agentic coding efforts. In a statement, Google expressed its excitement about bringing some of Windsurf’s best AI coding expertise to Google DeepMind to further the company’s agentic coding efforts.
The unique purchase structure is a victory for Windsurf’s backers. According to PitchBook, the company was last valued at $1.25 billion a year ago and has raised $243 million from investors such as Kleiner Perkins, Greenoaks, and General Catalyst.
According to reports Windsurf investors would keep their ownership holdings in the business and get liquidity through the licence fee. Google’s unexpected move is similar to its agreement to acquire staff from chatbot startup Character.AI in August 2024.
Similar responses have been given to these so-called acquihire agreements by their Big Tech contemporaries, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, which some have criticised as an effort to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
Other Players Also Strengthening their AI Infrastructure
Amazon hired the co-founders and some of the employees of the AI business Adept last June, while Microsoft signed a $650 million deal with Inflection AI in March 2024 to use the AI start-up’s models and hire its employees.
In June, Meta made the largest test to date of this growing type of corporate alliances by acquiring a 49% interest in Scale AI. These transactions do not need to be reviewed by US antitrust authorities, in contrast to acquisitions that would grant the buyer a controlling interest.
If they think the deal was set up to circumvent those standards or hurt competition, they could still investigate it. Since then, other transactions have been the focus of regulatory investigations.
In an effort to attract elite people in the competition to lead the next wave of AI, tech titans like Alphabet and Meta are aggressively pursuing high-profile acquisitions and offering multi-million dollar compensation packages.
For a whole year, Indian college students will have free access to some of Google’s most cutting-edge AI capabilities.
With the launch of Gemini for Students, the tech company is offering qualified users a complimentary membership to its AI-powered Gemini Advanced plan, which is typically included in the Google One AI Premium bundle.
Students who are 18 years of age or older are eligible for the offer. To gain access, they must register on the official Google offer website by September 15, 2025.
What Google is Offering?
After enrolling, students will have access to Google’s most potent AI model to date, Gemini 2.5 Pro. Tools for research, writing, studying, and job preparation are also included in the strategy. It provides limitless academic assistance, including help with homework, essays, coding, interviews, and exams.
Study notes can be organised and summarised with the use of NotebookLM. Gemini Live will support individualised learning and real-time interaction. Google’s AI-powered presentation or project video maker, Veo 3.
Tools for deep research that will assist in gathering information for school assignments from reliable sources. Additionally, 2 TB of online storage on Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos will be provided to students—enough room to manage creative works, assignments, research, and presentations.
Initiatives Aims for Responsible Exploration of AI Tools
Google claims that the idea is intended to encourage ethical exploration of AI technologies as more students use AI to learn and become ready for professions.
With the right support and tools, the company thinks that this will help students learn more effectively, more quickly, and more intelligently.
As AI grows increasingly prevalent in both school and the workplace, the initiative also shows how tech companies are attempting to integrate into the learning process.
No Cap on Number of Users
One of the first nations where Google is implementing Gemini Advanced for students on a large scale is India. There is currently no cap on the number of users indicated by the company.
Gemini for Students is being marketed as a digital tool for the contemporary classroom, whether it is for completing projects, creating a CV, or brainstorming. 75% of Indians believe they need a daily tool to help them study and develop, according to a Google and Kantar report.
According to Google, Gemini, its AI chatbot, is beginning to take over that function for many. Additionally, 95% of Indian students who use Gemini report feeling more confidence in their daily lives, according to the survey.
Google’s Gemini app now offers Scheduled Actions, a new productivity-focused feature. Users with subscriptions to Google AI Pro, Google AI Ultra, and specific Google Workspace business and school accounts can now access the service, which was launched on June 10.
The update, which was first revealed at Google’s I/O 2024 developer conference, significantly expands the AI-powered functionality of the app. Gemini users can automate specific actions at predetermined periods with Scheduled Actions.
Users may now plan activities once and have the AI assistant carry them out automatically, eliminating the need to ask Gemini to do repetitive chores over and over. As a result, Gemini becomes a more proactive personal assistant rather than a reactive chatbot.
The launch is in line with what CEO Sundar Pichai said at the May I/O annual developer conference. He emphasised how Google is using AI research to make its products smarter and more customised.
In a blog post, Pichai stated that Gemini is now building with nearly seven million developers, five times as many as the previous year. The announcement is one of several enhancements to Google’s AI products that were made public on May 20.
In order to facilitate integration across other platforms and improve reasoning capabilities, the company has concentrated on developing Gemini’s multimodal comprehension.
How it Can Make Users Life More Easy?
Tasks that users can set up include getting a daily feed of unread emails and calendar appointments every morning or coming up with five new blog themes every Monday. Both one-time and recurring scheduled events are supported by the feature.
On game days, sports fans can get match updates, and others can set up Gemini to email award show summaries the next morning. The Gemini app’s settings provide a specific section for setting and managing the Scheduled Actions.
According to Google, this configuration aims to keep users structured and informed while minimising repetitive interactions. Only premium customers are currently able to use the functionality.
This covers Google AI Pro and Ultra plan users as well as specific Google Workspace accounts for businesses and educational institutions. Whether the capability will eventually be available to all users has not been confirmed by Google.
Google Making Efforts to be Different in AI Segment
Google is obviously aiming to increase productivity via Scheduled Actions. Regular updates that are automated save users time and effort by eliminating the need for human prompts.
Additionally, it demonstrates Google’s intention to set its AI assistant apart from competitors by prioritising context-aware job performance, which extends beyond text production.
Separately, it has been claimed that Google is testing brief weather summaries, another AI-powered feature in its mobile search app.
These brief explanations of the likelihood of rain, wind speeds, and temperature trends are presented in between regular forecast parts. Only a few customers in the US are able to use the service at this time.
Abhishek Singh, additional secretary, Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), stated during his visit to GIFT City in Gujarat on 27 January that India is seeking proposals for developing its own foundational model in order to compete with foreign AI foundational models that serve as the basis for numerous applications such as ChatGPT and Gemini. He added that how India creates a basic model has been a major problem.
At the moment, every core model that a nation uses, including ChatGPT, Llama 3, Gemini, and Claude, is foreign. China has now developed Deepseek and other models as well. To create an Indian foundational model, India must invest and offer financial assistance. The foreign fundamental models can provide incorrect or unsuitable answers because they were trained on western data sets and are not adapted to Indian languages and contexts.
Speaking at the opening of the event, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was also in attendance, Singh went on to say that the government is putting out a call for proposals to create a foundational model in India so that India can compete with the best in the world. Singh continued without revealing a deadline for the submissions, saying, “I am confident that some of the start-ups and innovators present today will be joining this challenge to build an Indian foundational model.”
Foundational Model and Risks of AI
One kind of artificial intelligence model that can handle a variety of jobs is the foundational model. These models can be used in a wide range of applications because they are developed by training on large and varied datasets. While AI has a lot of potential, Singh also believed that there are a lot of risks associated with it. The nation has witnessed how deepfakes and false information operate, as well as how incorrect AI reactions can lead to issues.
To do this, the government is developing instruments for creating AI that is ethical, responsible, safe, and trustworthy. Tools for identifying algorithmic biases, false information in AI, and deepfakes are being developed by researchers and organisations. CoEs and any start-ups developing it will also have access to these technologies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Paris from February 10–11, when France and India will co-host the AI Action Summit, Singh said, adding that India was engaging “globally in the development of AI governance guidelines.”
India to Set up 18000 Graphic Processing Units
According to the additional secretary, India’s IndiaAI Mission aims to establish 18,000 Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) in order to create a high-end, scalable AI computing ecosystem that will assist researchers, academicians, students, and start-ups. In comparison to other nations, India has relatively few GPUs.
In order to achieve its goal of setting up 10,000 GPUs, the government has held bids under the AI Mission and collaborated with the industry. It is aiming for 18,000 GPUs at very competitive prices, and it has opened the financial bids last week. Additionally, all researchers and startups will have access to these GPUs at a further discounted price. This will also help the start-ups operating in the CoE, Singh continued.
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, recently launched—Gemini AI, the future of artificial intelligence. In a world where information is at our fingertips, Gemini emerges as a powerful tool designed to make our digital experiences more intuitive and engaging. It can understand intricate questions, create creative content, and even translate languages like a pro.
Imagine an AI tool that not only understands your words but also comprehends images and processes data in a variety of formats. In this blog, we’ll take a thorough analysis of the capabilities of Gemini, exploring its multimodal nature, colossal brainpower, and how it stands out in this AI world.
Gemini is Google’s advanced artificial intelligence system that goes above and beyond traditional models. Unlike its predecessors, Gemini is a multimodal AI, so it processes information, including text, images, and voice commands. The versatility of Gemini allows it to understand and respond to users in a more human-like manner. It speaks multiple languages – the language of words, the language of images, and the language of voice.
What is Multimodal AI?
Let’s examine what is meant by “multimodal AI.” “Modal” refers to methods or ways of accomplishing things, and “multi” denotes many. Gemini is an artificial intelligence that can read and assimilate text, identify and interpret images, and understand spoken language.
For instance, if you ask Gemini about a well-known site, you can give him a written description, a picture, or even a recording of its name, and it would accurately identify it.
Gemini isn’t text-limited, like the majority of AI models. Because it is a multimodal AI prompting, it can figure out many things and processes:
Text: Write and analyze scripts, code, poetry, and emails. Audio: Record audio, translate between languages, identify musical compositions, and even produce audio stuff. Images: Using your cues, identify objects and scenes and produce realistic images. Video: Produce video summaries, interpret video data, and even generate original videos.
Hands-on with Gemini: Interacting with multimodal AI
Features of Gemini AI?
Complex Pattern Excel: When it comes to managing intricate reasoning problems, Gemini truly excels. It can easily comprehend and combine data from charts, infographics, scanned papers, and mixed patterns of various data kinds. It’s like a digital genius.
Uses CoT Prompting Technique: One significant method that makes Gemini stand out is its “uncertainty-routed chain-of-thought” (CoT) prompting technique. This fancy term indicates that Gemini can think beyond the box when it comes to solving problems that need careful consideration and judgment.
Outstanding Performance: The creators have been impressed by the performance of Gemini Ultra, a cool variation of Gemini 1.0. It has produced amazing outcomes, even surpassing human experts in certain tasks—now that’s impressive!
Efficiency: Gemini 1.0 uses cutting-edge Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to ensure efficiency and scalability, thanks to Google’s infrastructure team. AI hyper-computing reaches new heights with the release of TPU v5p by Google Cloud.
Flexibility: Gemini’s capabilities and design go beyond limits. It finds use in innovative projects, education, and multilingual communication. Gem turns out to be an adaptable answer for a variety of problems.
How You Can Use Gemini?
Using Gemini is a breeze, and understanding its structure and functionalities is key to unlocking its full potential. Gemini comes into three major categories: Gemini Pro, Gemini Ultra, and Gemini Nano.
Gemini Pro
Think of this as the powerhouse, capable of handling complex tasks and providing detailed information. It’s your go-to for in-depth research or when you need an expert’s opinion.
Gemini Ultra
This is your versatile, all-around companion. It’s great for everyday tasks, casual conversations, and general information. It strikes a balance between power and simplicity.
Gemini Nano
When you want quick, concise answers, Nano is your go-to. It’s like having a pocket assistant ready to provide instant information and support.
Example: You could hire Gemini Pro to get in-depth insights if you’re working on a research project. However, Gemini Nano can promptly deliver traffic updates, appointment reminders, and weather assistant updates if you’re organizing your day.
I’m here to walk you through the simple process of using Gemini Pro within Bard, which is an effortless step-by-step process:
Google Bard
Step 1. Open your Web Browser and Visit Bard’s Website
Step 2. After visiting the Bard website, sign in with the details from your Google account. You can easily make a Google account if you don’t already have one.
Step 3. You can use Bard to access new Gemini Pro features after logging in. As a result, your chat experiences will now be more sophisticated and dynamic, facilitating more seamless and customized conversations.
You may now explore Gemini Pro’s additional features with Bard’s smooth integration!
“Buy Google’s Pixel Phone to get the Pixel Extra!”
You get extra benefits that improve your Gemini experience if you use a Pixel phone. Improved voice recognition, customized recommendations, and easy integration with Pixel’s special features are some that would make you drool. Your device and AI collaborate flawlessly, just like if you had a VIP pass to a private Gemini club.
You can ask Gemini on your Pixel phone to show your recent photos with Pixel extras, and it will do so quickly.
Test You Can Try to Understand Gemini AI
Now, let’s follow some tests conducted by the experts that prove, “it’s exceptional”. Here is what you should start with:
Test 1: Logic and Space perception
TRY: Give Gemini some sticky notes with pictures of the Alphabet unorganized like C, B & A on them and ask it to arrange them in a rational order. Gemini precisely positioned the A, B, and C in the right order.
Test 2: Graphic Patterns and Dialog
TRY: Ask Gemini to guess the movie from a series of four frames from a charades game. By studying body language, Gemini recognizes the scene from “The Movie” with accuracy.
Testing Gemini: Guess the movie
Test 3: Magic Techniques
TRY: Ask Gemini to describe a traditional magic trick in which a coin vanishes. Gemini effectively expands the methodical procedure while demonstrating its multimodal reasoning.
Test 4: Cup Shuffling
TRY: Set up a game of cup shuffling and ask Gemini to figure out the swaps and justify them. Gemini correctly recognizes the cup swaps and provides an overview of the match.
Test 5: Leveraging Tools and Searching for Music
TRY: Tell Gemini to convert a sketched scene of birds and mountains. Gemini skillfully blends modalities, offering a playful and targeted genre and personification of the song. This works smoothly!
Test 6: Making Games and Foreseeing Location
TRY: Ask Gemini to identify countries on a map and come up with clues for a geography guessing game. Gemini manages both right and wrong answers and recognizes countries with accuracy.
Test 7: Coding Timer Countdown
TRY: Coding a countdown timer with inspirational emojis in Task Gemini. Gemini not only writes the code, but it also injects some originality by offering a wide range of emoticons.
Testing Gemini: Finding connections
In the Nutshell, The Future of Information sees AI Gemini on the TOP
In the future, Google sees Gemini as a key player in transforming several industries. Imagine a world in which AI helps students with individualized learning experiences. Imagine AI helping with patient care and diagnosis in the medical field. Imagine AI simplifying data analysis for well-informed decision-making in the business world. There is a great deal of potential for application, which could completely change the way we approach various facets of our lives.
We must address ethical issues as we embrace the power of Gemini. Google is dedicated to developing AI responsibly, placing a foremost priority on data security, user privacy, and openness. This dedication guarantees that Gemini is a responsible tool, in addition to a potent one.
This large language model (LLM) will be expanded next year, according to the tech giant, which describes Gemini as the most capable and all-purpose AI it has developed to date.
How does Gemini differ from other AI models?
Gemini can process a wide range of formats, including text, images, and voice, thanks to its multimodal capabilities. Its ability to understand and react to various input kinds gives it versatility in interactions which no other AI has achieved up till now.
What benefits does Gemini AI offer to Pixel 8 pro phone users?
Users of Pixel benefit from improved voice recognition, tailored recommendations, and smooth integration with Pixel’s special features. For Pixel users, these benefits produce a more customized and engaging Gemini experience.
Does Google still own DeepMind?
An artificial intelligence research facility run by British and Americans, DeepMind Technologies Limited (doing business as Google DeepMind) is a Google subsidiary.
Is Gemini AI free to use?
You can use Bard Gemini for free. Google has updated Bard with Gemini Pro, which you can easily process on the Bard AI webpage.