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Google Unveils Faster Gemini Model as AI Competition Intensifies

Google rolled out Gemini 3.5 Flash on Tuesday, a streamlined artificial intelligence model designed to reduce computational costs while maintaining performance capabilities. The lighter-weight version operates at roughly half the price of comparable competing models, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. Google set Gemini 3.5 Flash as the default model for its Gemini app and search function globally. The company enhanced cybersecurity protections in the new model to reduce harmful outputs and false refusals on legitimate queries. Google also announced Gemini Spark, a general-purpose AI agent capable of reasoning across connected applications. The announcements came during Google's I/O developer conference Tuesday as the search giant accelerates competitive positioning against OpenAI and Anthropic, both preparing for initial public offerings. The heavier-weight Gemini 3.5 Pro remains in internal testing ahead of wider availability next month.