Google's Gemini AI chatbot is now available in a standalone smartphone app in the UK for the first time. TheChatGPT-4 rivalcan be downloaded on Android phones today, while those with an iPhone in their pocket will need to hold off for "the next couple of weeks" as the new feature makes its way to the existing Google app.
The move will put Google’s flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI) product in the hands of millions more users, who will be able to use text, voice, and images to interact with the virtual assistant.
Google Gemini is now available to download in the UK on Android, with iPhone owners forced to wait a few more weeks before the functionality will roll-out to the existing Google app on iOS
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Google fans living in the United States have been able to download a dedicated Gemini app since February. In comparison, ChatGPT has been available as an app on iPhone and Android since mid-2023 in both countries.
Speaking about the launch, Group Product Manager for Gemini experiences at Google, Jules Walter said: "We remain dedicated to making Gemini available to as many people as possible. By expanding our language support and reaching new countries, we’re ensuring more people can supercharge their ideas with Gemini."
He added: "With the Gemini app on your phone, you can type, talk or add an image for all kinds of help: you can take a picture of your flat tyre and ask for instructions on how to change it, or get help writing that thank you note.
"It’s an important first step in building a true AI assistant — one that is conversational, multimodal and helpful."
The arrival of Google Gemini in the pocket of millions of Android users in the UK comes as the battle for market dominance in the AI space intensifies among the world’s biggest technology firms.
In recent weeks Microsoft has unveiled new dedicated, AI-powered laptops and tablets housing its Copilot AI assistant, while OpenAI, the firm behind ChatGPT, announced the latest version of the popular chatbot, which is more conversational and better able to understand and move between voice, text and visual inputs. It also announced a new app for MacBook owners, differentiating itself from the browser-based Gemini on PC.
Meanwhile, Apple is widely-tipped to unveil its response to increasingly-popular AI chatbots during its annual developer conference, known as WWDC, later this month.
However, the rapid rollout of AI products has not been without its issues. Google was forced to apologise over an image generation tool which was incorrectly creating racially diverse images, even when doing so was inaccurate.
OpenAI was also criticised for employing a "flirty" new voice that resembled Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson. In response, it has withdrawn the voice — one of five available options — from its apps.
Additional Reporting By Martyn Landi, PA Technology Correspondent
