What is Gemini? PaLM? Vertex AI Studio?

Introduction to Gemini – Google’s Generative AI Models

Gemini is Google’s latest family of large language models (LLMs), developed to compete with and improve upon existing models like OpenAI’s GPT series. Gemini powers many of Google’s generative AI experiences, from search enhancements to workspace assistants, and it is also available to developers.

Gemini is capable of:

• Understanding and generating text
• Summarizing documents
• Writing code
• Translating content
• Answering questions based on context
• Handling multimodal input (text, images, audio)

You can think of Gemini as Google’s most advanced “thinking engine” — designed not only to answer questions but to help developers build AI-powered applications.

What is PaLM and How is it Related to Gemini?

Before Gemini, Google developed a family of models called PaLM (Pathways Language Model). These models, like PaLM 2, were used in early versions of Bard and in tools inside Google Workspace (like Gmail and Docs).

In late 2023, Google transitioned from PaLM to Gemini:

• PaLM → Gemini 1.0
• Gemini 1.5 models (released in 2024) offer better reasoning and longer context windows
• These models are now powering tools inside Android, Chrome, and Gemini apps

So if you used Bard or Workspace AI features before, you likely interacted with PaLM. Now, Gemini has replaced it as the flagship model line.

What is Vertex AI Studio?

Vertex AI Studio is Google Cloud’s interface for experimenting with generative AI models like Gemini. It is a developer-friendly playground where you can test prompts, fine-tune settings, and generate content using a web interface — no installation or coding required.

Key features of Vertex AI Studio:

• Prompt writing and testing in a browser
• Multiple model options (Gemini 1.0 Pro, Gemini 1.5 Pro, CodeGemma, etc.)
• Exportable code snippets for Python or REST API
• Project-saving for versioning
• Integration with Vertex AI Workbench (for building apps)

How Do These Tools Work Together?

Here is how everything connects:

When you write a prompt in Vertex AI Studio, the system sends it to a Gemini model and returns the response in real time. If you build a web app or script, your code talks to the same Gemini model through the Vertex AI API.

Where Can You Access Gemini?

There are multiple access points for Gemini:

1. AI Studio — Direct interface for prompt testing
2. Makersuite — Lightweight version of AI Studio for experimentation
3. Google Workspace — In tools like Gmail, Docs, and Sheets via Duet AI or Gemini
4. Google Cloud SDK & API — For app development and integration
5. Gemini app — On Android or iOS (consumer-friendly version)

As a developer, your focus will primarily be on AI Studio and Vertex AI API, which allow you to test and integrate your apps with Google’s LLMs.

Summary – Key Takeaways

• Gemini is Google’s most advanced LLM, replacing the earlier PaLM family.
• Vertex AI Studio is the main tool to explore and test Gemini’s capabilities using prompts.
• Developers can use Gemini via the cloud interface, SDK, or API.
• Understanding the relationship between Gemini, PaLM, and Vertex AI Studio helps you build smarter applications using Google Cloud.