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Google releases lightweight Gemini AI models, Pro version still pending

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Google has released three new lightweight AI models: Gemini 3.6 Flash, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite, and Gemini 3.5 Flash-Cyber.
  • The Gemini 3.6 Flash model offers improved coding, knowledge, and multimodal performance with reduced output token usage.
  • Google has not yet released its top-tier Gemini 3.5 Pro model, which is currently being tested with partners, while development of the next-generation Gemini 4 has begun.

Google has launched three new lightweight artificial intelligence models, expanding its Gemini family with enhanced capabilities and efficiency. The newly released models include Gemini 3.6 Flash, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite, and Gemini 3.5 Flash-Cyber. This release comes as Google continues to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, though its most advanced model, Gemini 3.5 Pro, remains unavailable to the public.

The Gemini 3.6 Flash model is an upgrade from the Gemini 3.5 Flash, first unveiled at Google I/O in May. Google states that this new version boasts improvements in coding, knowledge-based tasks, and multimodal performance. Notably, it utilizes 17% fewer output tokens compared to its predecessor, indicating greater efficiency in processing and generating responses.

The Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite model is positioned as the fastest and most cost-effective option within the Gemini 3.5 series. Meanwhile, the Gemini 3.5 Flash-Cyber is specifically designed for identifying and verifying security vulnerabilities, and will be exclusively provided to trusted partners, including government agencies.

We are currently testing the Gemini 3.5 Pro model with partners and plan to officially release it as soon as preparations are complete.

— GoogleStatement regarding the delayed release of the Gemini 3.5 Pro model.

Despite the release of these lighter models, Google has yet to launch the Gemini 3.5 Pro version. The company indicated that it is currently testing the Pro model with partners and plans a full release once preparations are complete. Google also revealed that it has already commenced the "most ambitious pre-training" for its next-generation model, Gemini 4, signaling a continued focus on future AI development.

Recent performance rankings suggest Google's AI models are facing stiff competition. According to Artificial Analysis, Gemini 3.6 Flash ranked 12th with 50 points, falling behind several models from competitors like Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI, Meta, and Zhipu AI. Reports from Bloomberg have also indicated that the delayed release of Gemini 3.5 Pro is partly due to its coding performance not meeting Google's internal expectations.

Google is already focusing on developing the next-generation model. We have started the most ambitious pre-training for Gemini 4.

— GoogleStatement about ongoing development of future AI models.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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