What Is Google Gemini?

By Anders Bylund – Updated Apr 16, 2025 at 10:55 PM

Key Points

Google Gemini, a language model, offers more human-like responses than typical search engines.
Gemini supports multimedia inputs and can enhance various AI applications.
Investors should watch Google's AI progress, reflecting a commitment to innovative AI technologies.

Think of Google Gemini as a cousin to Google Search, built on a different technology and with a more conversational feel. Gemini is a large language model (LLM) chatbot developed by Google AI, a division of Alphabet (GOOG -2.21%) (GOOGL -2.37%). It launched as Google Bard in March 2023 and changed its name to Gemini in February 2024.

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Person looking at a computer screen while waiting for an AI chatbot to respond. — Image source: The Motley Fool.

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If you're wondering why Google originally chose the name Bard, it's a nod to the poetic role of bards throughout history -- an apt title for a tool that spins the threads of language into engaging and informative narratives.

The Gemini name, on the other hand, points to the corporate structure behind the AI system. Google's most advanced LLM engine goes by the same name, so Bard's name change clarifies the fundamental technology. In turn, the Gemini AI engine was born from the internal merger of Google Brain and Deepmind. The "twin" AI divisions are now a single Deepmind unit, so it made sense to use the Latin word for "twin" to name the unified team's LLM engine.

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In the long run, we can look forward to using Google Gemini for a variety of tasks. Gemini's capabilities extend far beyond basic internet searches, from drafting emails and writing code to generating images and interpreting videos. The search engine integration makes this tool particularly handy and will remain a competitive advantage until other AI-powered chatbots figure out how a search feature can work with their platforms.

However, while Gemini's capabilities are impressive, it's unlikely to overshadow its cousin, Google Search. Both have a role in the digital realm. While Gemini offers an exciting glimpse into the future of AI interaction, for the time being, Google Search retains its crown as the go-to tool for internet information retrieval.

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About the Author

Anders Bylund is a contributing Motley Fool media and technology analyst covering semiconductors, cloud computing, internet infrastructure, quantum computing, and streaming media. Previously, Anders was a systems administrator for Nielsen Technology and CSX, gaining hands-on experience with enterprise-class systems. He was also a freelance writer for Ars Technica, TIME, USA Today, CNN, WIRED, and AOL's Daily Finance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in library and information sciences from Florida State University. He believes in coyotes and time as an abstract.

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John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Anders Bylund has positions in Alphabet and Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.