Google One recently underwent changes in its subscription packages, introducing a new tier that includes access to Gemini “Advanced”. As hinted, this new package modifies the standard feature package with other nice service perks. The caveat is that there are also new restrictions. But, if you are already a regular user customer before, don’t worry. A next-step package should still be available for you.
Package Rebranding
In celebration of reaching 100 million paying users, Google One has rebranded its packages. The new AI Premium package now grants access to the Ultra version of the AI ChatBot. Additionally, all major packages are now labeled as “Premium,” while the smallest package, priced at $2 per month, is now known as “Basic.” Users who opt to remain on the free tier, with 15 GB of storage, could be considered to be on the “Standard” plan.
New Package Offered to Existing Users
In terms of storage quotas, the previous 200 GB subscription, priced at $3 per month, has been discontinued and is now only offered to existing customers. Fortunately, it appears that the subscription is still available, offered as an upgrade to users with an active 100 GB subscription or as a downgrade from a more expensive plan. There is no direct replacement for the 200 GB plan moving forward for new subscribers, and there are no other middle-line options available such as a 500 GB option.
Instead, users now face a significant jump from 100 GB to 2 TB. Interestingly, we get a middle-line option for that particular higher end of the line as a new subscription tier: 5 TB for $27 per month, bridging the previously large gap between 2 TB and 10 TB.
Gemini Advanced Now Starts at the 2 TB Package
Access to Gemini Advanced is now limited to users with the new 2 TB AI Premium subscription, priced at $24 per month. However, contrary to expectations, this advantage is not extended to users of the next larger packages. Users with a 5 TB subscription can only access Gemini Advanced by downgrading their plan.
This restriction poses a challenge for users who require large amounts of storage, as downgrading is not a practical option and therefore denies them access to Gemini Advanced. As a workaround, users may need to switch to a secondary account, which complicates access to data from Gemini on Workspace & Co.
Not Quite Beneficial Enough?
Unfortunately, the Gemini Advanced package also lacks two key benefits available in other Google One packages. Firstly, users can only subscribe to Gemini Advanced on a monthly basis and cannot benefit from the usual 16% discount for annual prepayments. Secondly, Gemini Advanced is only accessible to the primary account holder and cannot be shared within a family plan.
It is likely that Google won’t make any changes for that anytime soon, particularly in terms of the switching-up feature integration. One possible idea could be the introduction of an add-on package for the AI ChatBot, but the benefits of such an idea could only be realized if it can be added to all existing Google subscriptions.
Instead of you know, practically incentivizing everyone to go beyond 200 GB.
