Google is reportedly planning to announce and widely release Gemini 2.0 in December, according to The Verge. However, early indications suggest the new model isn’t achieving the performance improvements initially hoped for by the team led by Demis Hassabis – a challenge apparently common across major AI companies developing large language models.
This release would maintain Google’s emerging pattern of annual major model launches, positioned between their May I/O developer conferences. The timing follows a steady progression of Gemini releases: Gemini 1.0 debuted last December with Pro version integration into Bard (now renamed), followed by Gemini 1.5 in February 2024, and its expanded availability to gemini.google.com subscribers in May.
The anticipated release may mirror Google’s previous dual-track approach, targeting both developers and end users. Meanwhile, the company is also working on Project Astra, which aims to add visual capabilities to Gemini Live, though the timing and coordination of these releases remains unclear.
Notably, Google’s planned December timeline coincides with rumors of OpenAI’s next flagship model launch, codenamed Orion, though OpenAI has denied these reports and is expected to pursue a more limited initial release with partners.
