Google sets new limits for Gemini users; check

Starting October 9, Google will be changing access to Gemini models based on subscription tiers. Free users will only be able to use the Flash-Lite model, while AI Plus subscribers will retain access to Flash-Lite and Flash but lose Pro. AI Pro and AI Ultra users will not have any changes to model access and will receive an additional feature called Deep Think added to their plan.

For those on the free plan, Flash and Pro models were the go-to options for handling longer, more complex requests, with Pro being especially suited for tasks requiring deeper reasoning. Flash-Lite, the remaining model for free users, is optimized for speed and low cost rather than depth. It can still answer simple questions, summarize short text and engage in brief chats, but it may produce less accurate results for more intricate prompts.

AI Plus subscribers are losing out on the Pro model, which they previously had access to. However, they will still have access to Flash and the new Deep Think feature. At $19.99 per month, AI Plus users will now have a plan that is somewhat comparable to the free tier, but with the added benefit of Flash access.

AI Pro users, who pay $19.99 per month, will retain all models including Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro, and will gain access to Deep Think. This model was previously only available to AI Ultra subscribers, who pay $99.99 per month. Adding Deep Think to the AI Pro tier makes it a more attractive option for users who want advanced reasoning capabilities without the higher price point.

Google has also introduced effort levels for each model, allowing users to fine-tune the level of reasoning required for each query. This feature, previously available only in Google AI Studio and Antigravity, enables users to toggle between low, medium, and high effort levels, optimizing their usage within the weekly limit.