Google Commences Germini 2.0 Flash Experimentation

 

The Tech giant, Google has announced the launch of Gemini 2.0 Flash and its associated research prototype. It is believes that this is a step forward in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the new model is designed for developers and showcases several experimental agent-based applications.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, 1.5 Flash, Gemini 2.0 Flash offers enhanced performance with similarly rapid response times. Notably, it outperforms 1.5 Pro on key benchmarks while operating at twice the speed.

Beyond speed improvements, 2.0 Flash introduces new capabilities, including support for multimodal inputs like images, video, and audio, as well as multimodal outputs such as generated images and multilingual text-to-speech audio. It also integrates with external tools like Google Search and code execution environments.

This model is currently available to developers in an experimental phase through the Gemini API in Google AI Studio and Vertex AI, with broader availability planned for January.

Beyond the core model improvements, the announcement highlights the development of AI agents. These agents represent a new approach to interacting with technology, focusing on task completion and proactive assistance. Several research prototypes demonstrate this concept, such as:

• Project Astra: This project explores the concept of a universal AI assistant capable of understanding multiple languages, utilizing tools like Google Search and Maps, and maintaining context over longer conversations. It has seen improvements in dialogue, tool use, memory, and latency.

• Project Mariner: This prototype focuses on browser-based agent interaction. It aims to understand and interact with web content, including text, images, and code.

• Jules: This is an AI-powered code agent designed to assist developers within a GitHub workflow. It can analyze issues, develop plans, and execute code under developer supervision.

• Gaming Agents: These agents are designed to interact with video games, offering real-time suggestions and utilizing Google Search for game-related information.

•  There’s also exploration of Gemini 2.0’s spatial reasoning for robotics applications.

A strong emphasis is placed on responsible AI development. The development team is actively addressing safety and security concerns through various measures, including internal reviews, red teaming, safety training, and collaboration with external experts. Specific examples include mitigations against unintentional data sharing in Project Astra and protection against prompt injection in Project Mariner.

The release of Gemini 2.0 Flash and the associated agent prototypes marks an important advancement in AI. The focus on performance, multimodality, and agent-based interaction, combined with a commitment to responsible development, positions Gemini as a key player in the ongoing AI evolution.

Tinubu Appoints Nwakuche As Acting CG of NCoS, as Nababa Bows Out

Haliru Nababa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR as the acting Controller General (CG) of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). 

This followed the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing CG, Mr. Haliru Nababa. 

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Immigration, Fire Service and Correctional Service Board, (CDCFIB), Mr. Ja’afaru Ahmed, on Friday, December 13, 2024. He noted that the appointment takes effect from Sunday, December 15.

Mr. Ahmed disclosed that Mr. Nwakuche’s appointment was a testament to his wealth of experience and dedication to the Service. 

He stated that Chief Tinubu charged the new NCoS boss to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new capacity and ensure the continued transformation of the service.

Mr. Nwakuche, who hails from Oguta LGA in Imo State and was born on November 26, 1966, until his appointment, was the Deputy Controller General of NCoS in charge of Training and Staff Development Directorate, where he played a crucial role in shaping the training and development policies of the service. 

He is a Fellow of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), as well as a well-decorated and notable officer, who holds the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Kemi Badenoch Slams Shettima Over Call To Drop Nigerian Name

Kemi Badenoch, the United Kingdom (UK)-born Conservative Party leader, has replied Vice-President, Kashim Shettima over call to drop her Nigerian name. 

It could be recalled that during her recent visit to the United States, Badenoch had described Nigeria as “a place where almost everything seemed broken.” She added that there were instability and corruption in Nigeria.

In a swift reaction during his Speech on Migration in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital city, Shettima described her comment as disrespectful. He said Badenoch might “remove the Kemi from her name if she did not feel pride in her “nation of origin.” 

He therefore Compared Badenoch with the UK’s first prime minister, of Indian descent, Mr. Rishi Sunak. He enthused that Sunak never denigrated his nation of ancestry. 

In a reply to the Vice-President, a spokesperson for Badenoch said that she “stands by what she says” and emphasized that “she is not Nigeria’s public relations representative.” 

“She leads the opposition and takes great pride in her role in this country; she speaks the truth, and she presents things as they are and will not soften her words,” he told reporters.