Google has started rolling out the new Gemini 2.0 Flash artificial intelligence (AI) model on the chatbot’s Android app. The Mountain View-based tech giant released the first model in the Gemini 2.0 family on December 12. While the model was added to the web version of Gemini on the same day, the mobile apps did not immediately gain access to it. However, it has now started rolling out to users with a new model switcher feature that lets users choose the AI model.
Gemini 2.0 Flash AI model comes to Android
The next generation of Gemini AI models was announced nine months after the introduction of the Gemini 1.5 series. Google said the new family of models offers improved capabilities, including native support for image generation and generation. Currently, only the Flash version is available, which is the smallest and fastest model of the series. It is currently available in experimental preview.
Model Switcher feature in Gemini app
Those on the Google Apps for Android version 15.50 beta will soon see two changes to the Gemini app. First, model information added to the top of the screen is now tappable. For free users a downward arrow now appears between ‘Gemini’ and ‘1.5 Flash’. It can be used as a model switcher. Gadgets 360 staff members were able to verify the new feature.
The second change is the addition of the new Gemini 2.0 flash experimental model. Once a user taps the model switcher, a bottom sheet appears listing the AI models available to choose from. While free users will only see the 1.5 flash and 2.0 flash, those who subscribe to Gemini Advanced will also see the 1.5 Pro model.
Notably, Google had highlighted that Gemini 2.0 Flash is available as an early preview and it may not work as expected. Additionally, some Gemini features may not be compatible with AI models until the full version is released.
At launch, Google claimed that the Gemini 2.0 flash outperformed the 1.5 Pro model in several benchmarks during internal testing. Some of the benchmarks include Massive Multitask Language Understanding (MMLU), Natural2Code, MATH, and the graduate-level Google-Proof Q&A (GPQA).
