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I love how fragmented Google's Gemini offerings are. I'm a Pro subscriber, but I now learn I should be a "Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise" user to get

I love how fragmented Google's Gemini offerings are. I'm a Pro subscriber, but I now learn I should be a "Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise" user to get additional usage. I didn't even know that existed! As a run of the mill Google user I get a generous usage tier but paying them specifically for "Gemini" doesn't get me anything when it comes to "Gemini CLI". Delightful!

nojito 1y ago
You don't get API keys for that subscription because it's a flat monthly cost.
- iandanforth 1y ago
  That's not a given, Anthropic recently added Claude CLI access to their $20/m "Pro" plan removing the need for a separate API key.
bayindirh 1y ago
There's also $300/mo AI ULTRA membership. It's interesting. Google One memberships even can't detail what "extra features" I can have, because it possibly changes every hour or so.
- Keyframe 1y ago
  > There's also $300/mo AI ULTRA membership Not if you're in EU though. Even though I have zero or less AI use so far, I tinker with it. I'm more than happy to pay $200+tax for Max 20x. I'd be happy to pay same-ish for Gemini Pro.. if I knew how and where to have Gemini CLI like I do with Claude code. I have Google One. WHERE DO I SIGN UP, HOW DO I PAY AND USE IT GOOGLE? Only thing I have managed so far is through openrouter via API and credits which would amount to thousands a month if I were to use it as such, which I won't do. What I do now is occasionally I go to AI Studio and use it for free.
- SecretDreams 1y ago
  Maybe their products team is also just run by Gemini, and it's changing its mind every day? I also just got the email for Gemini ultra and I couldn't even figure out what was being offered compared to pro outside of 30tb storage vs 2tb storage!
  - ethbr1 1y ago
    > Maybe their products team is also just run by Gemini, and it's changing its mind every day? Never ascribe to AI, that which is capable of being borked by human PMs.
gavinray 1y ago
I actually had this exact same question when I read the docs, made an issue about it: https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/issues/1427 https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/issues/1427
- chrisandchris 1y ago
  I find it very interesting that the only way to reach Google support .... seems to be to file an issue in a competitors product (besides using X or whatever).
3abiton 1y ago
And they say our scale up is siloed. Leave it to google to show' em.
behnamoh 1y ago
Actually, that's the reason a lot of startups and solo developers prefer non-Google solutions, even though the quality of Gemini 2.5 Pro is insanely high. The Google Cloud Dashboard is a mess, and they haven't fixed it in years. They have Vertex that is supposed to host some of their models, but I don't understand what's the difference between that and their own cloud. And then you have two different APIs depending on the level of your project: This is literally the opposite of what we would expect from an AI provider where you start small and regardless of the scale of your project, you do not face obstacles. So essentially, Google has built an API solution that does not scale because as soon as your project gets bigger, you have to switch from the Google AI Studio API to the Vertex API. And I find it ridiculous because their OpenAI compatible API does not work all the time. And a lot of tools that rely on that actually don't work. Google's AI offerings that should be simplified/consolidated: - Jules vs Gemini CLI? - Vertex API (requires a Google Cloud Account) vs Google AI Studio API Also, since Vertex depends on Google Cloud, projects get more complicated because you have to modify these in your app [1]: ``` # Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values # with appropriate values for your project. export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True ``` [1]: https://cloud.google.com/vertex-ai/generative-ai/docs/start/quickstarts/quickstart-multimodal#gen-ai-sdk-for-python https://cloud.google.com/vertex-ai/generative-ai/docs/start/...
- tarvaina 1y ago
  It took me a while but I think the difference between Vertex and Gemini APIs is that Vertex is meant for existing GCP users and Gemini API for everyone else. If you are already using GCP then Vertex API works like everything else there. If you are not, then Gemini API is much easier. But they really should spell it out, currently it's really confusing. Also they should make it clearer which SDKs, documents, pricing, SLAs etc apply to each. I still get confused when I google up some detail and end up reading the wrong document.
  - fooster 1y ago
    The other difference is that reliability for the gemini api is garbage, whereas for vertex ai it is fantastic.
__MatrixMan__ 1y ago
Anthropic is the same. Unless it has changed within the last few months, you can subscribe to Claude but if you want to use Claude Code it'll come out of your "API usage" bucket which is billed separately than the subscription. Some jerk has learned that we prefer CLI things and has come to the conclusion that we should therefore pay extra for them. Workaround is to use their GUI with some MCPs but I dislike it because window navigation is just clunky compared to terminal multiplexer navigation.
- gnur 1y ago
  This has changed actually, since this month you can use claude code if you have a cloud pro subscription.
  - __MatrixMan__ 1y ago
    Great news, thanks.
- trostaft 1y ago
  AFAIK, Claude code operates on your subscription, no? That's what this support page says https://support.anthropic.com/en/articles/11145838-using-claude-code-with-your-pro-or-max-plan https://support.anthropic.com/en/articles/11145838-using-cla... Could have changed recently. I'm not a user so I can't verify.
  - re5i5tor 1y ago
    In recent research (relying on Claude so bear that in mind), connecting CC via Anthropic Console account / API key ends up being less expensive.
    - CGamesPlay 1y ago
      There's a log analyzer tool that will tell you how much the API costs are for your usage: https://ccusage.com https://ccusage.com
    - 1y ago
GardenLetter27 1y ago
Google is fumbling the bag so badly with the pricing. Gemini 2.5 Pro is the best model I've used (even better than o3 IMO) and yet there's no simple Claude/Cursor like subscription to just get full access. Nevermind Enterprise users too, where OpenAI has it locked up.
- llm_nerd 1y ago
  I wouldn't dream of thinking anyone has anything "locked up". Certainly not OpenAI which increasingly seems to be on an uphill battle against competitors (including Microsoft who even though they're a partner, are also a competitor) who have other inroads. Not sure what you mean by "full access", as none of the providers offer unrestricted usage. Pro gets you 2.5 Pro with usage limits. Ultra gets you higher limits + deep think (edit: accidentally put research when I meant think where it spends more resources on an answer) + much more Veo 3 usage. And of course you can use the API usage-billed model.
  - tmoertel 1y ago
    The Gemini Pro subscription includes Deep Research and Veo 3; you don't need the pricey Ultra subscription: https://gemini.google/subscriptions/ https://gemini.google/subscriptions/
    - magic_hamster 1y ago
      Veo 3 is available only in some regions even for Pro users.
  - Spooky23 1y ago
    In the enterprise space, Microsoft’s pain is OpenAI’s gain. They are kicking butt. In enterprises, Microsoft’s value proposition is that you’re leveraging all of the controls that you already have! Except… who is happy with the state of SharePoint governance?
    - willy_k 1y ago
ur-whale 1y ago
> Delightful! You clearly have never had the "pleasure" to work with a Google product manager. Especially the kind that were hired in the last 15-ish years. This type of situation is absolutely typical, and probably one of the more benign thing among the general blight they typically inflict on Google's product offering. The cartesian product of pricing options X models is an effing nightmare to navigate.
bachmeier 1y ago
I had a conversation with Copilot about Copilot offerings. Here's what they told me: If I Could Talk to Satya... I'd say: “Hey Satya, love the Copilots—but maybe we need a Copilot for Copilots to help people figure out which one they need!” Then I had them print out a table of Copilot plans: - Microsoft Copilot Free - Github Copilot Free - Github Copilot Pro - Github Copilot Pro+ - Microsoft Copilot Pro (can only be purchased for personal accounts) - Microsoft 365 Copilot (can't be used with personal accounts and can only be purchased by an organization)
- boston_clone 1y ago
  I'd really like to hear your own personal perspective on the topic instead of a regurgitation of an LLM.
  - bachmeier 1y ago
    > instead of a regurgitation of an LLM Copilot is stating the plans for its own services are confusing. Summarizing it as "regurgitation of an LLM" doesn't adequately capture the purpose of the post.
    - boston_clone 1y ago
      To be frank, no one here cares what copilot has to say on the matter.
diegof79 1y ago
Google suffers from Microsoft's issues: it has products for almost everything, but its confusing product messaging dilutes all the good things it does. I like Gemini 2.5 Pro, too, and recently, I tried different AI products (including the Gemini Pro plan) because I wanted a good AI chat assistant for everyday use. But I also wanted to reduce my spending and have fewer subscriptions. The Gemini Pro subscription is included with Google One, which is very convenient if you use Google Drive. But I already have an iCloud subscription tightly integrated with iOS, so switching to Drive and losing access to other iCloud functionality (like passwords) wasn’t in my plans. Then there is the Gemini chat UI, which is light years behind the OpenAI ChatGPT client for macOS. NotebookLM is good at summarizing documents, but the experience isn’t integrated with the Gemini chat, so it’s like constantly switching between Google products without a good integrated experience. The result is that I end up paying a subscription to Raycast AI because the chat app is very well integrated with other Raycast functions, and I can try out models. I don’t get the latest model immediately, but it has an integrated experience with my workflow. My point in this long description is that by being spread across many products, Google is losing on the UX side compared to OpenAI (for general tasks) or Anthropic (for coding). In just a few months, Google tried to catch up with v0 (Google Stitch), GH Copilot/Cursor (with that half-baked VSCode plugin), and now Claude Code. But all the attempts look like side-projects that will be killed soon.
- Fluorescence 1y ago
  > The Gemini Pro subscription is included with Google One It's not in Basic, Standard or Premium. It's in a new tier called "Google AI Pro" which I think is worth inclusion in your catalogue of product confusion. Oh wait, there's even more tiers that for some reason can't be paid for annually. Weird... why not? "Google AI Ultra" and some others just called Premium again but now include AI. 9 tiers, 5 called Premium, 2 with AI in the name but 6 that include Gemini. What a mess.
  - scoopdewoop 1y ago
    It is bold to assume these products will even exist in a year
guestbest 1y ago
You’d think with all this AI tooling they'd be able to organize better, but I think that the AI Age will be a very messy one with messaging and content
tmaly 1y ago
I was just trying to figure out if I get anything as a pro user. Thank you, you answered my question. This is very confusing how they post about this on X, you would think you get additional usage. Messaging is very confusing.
upcoming-sesame 1y ago
I think Pro is for regular folks, not specifically for programmers. I also have a pro subscription and wish I could get an API key with that with generous quota as well but pro is just for "consumers" using Gemini app I guess
fhinkel 1y ago
That's valuable feedback and we're taking it to heart.
tom_m 1y ago
They are horrendous about their product strategy and positioning.
pnarotam001 1y ago
Google needs to package their products better. It's always been the case with them. GCP is confusing because you can't easily find their services.
ulnarkressty 1y ago
The other day I was trying to figure out a cost estimate for Gemini 2.5 Pro but they don't have this in their pricing calculator - it just isn't there. Only endless tables with various model sizes and options which aren't explained.
artdigital 1y ago
How can I subscribe to this? From the comments here it sounds like it's NOT bundled into the Gemini Pro subscription, but into "Gemini Code Assist Standard". I can't find any way to upgrade to a paid plan, is this even possible for individuals, or is it just "free or enterprise"? /Edit: Okay I went through the Gemini docs. I found that in Google Cloud you can enable Gemini Code Assist Standard and Enterprise for the account - Standard is $19.00/mo - Enterprise is $45.00/mo Difference between the 2 editions: https://cloud.google.com/products/gemini/pricing https://cloud.google.com/products/gemini/pricing /Edit2: Found the actual management screen: https://codeassist.google.com/overview https://codeassist.google.com/overview
powerapple 1y ago
Google does not care about users at all, ZERO, it is full of people are so fond of technology, they try something and soon move on to something else. I am using Google Cloud for work, and previously Google Mail , Google Map, and YouTube user, zero good experience.
2muchcoffeeman 1y ago
I was having such a good time using Gemini 2.5 Pro I forgot that Google is generally incapable of sustaining a new product. I’ll try not to get used too attached to it.
deleted 1y ago
[deleted]

nojito 1y ago

You don't get API keys for that subscription because it's a flat monthly cost.

iandanforth 1y ago
That's not a given, Anthropic recently added Claude CLI access to their $20/m "Pro" plan removing the need for a separate API key.

bayindirh 1y ago

There's also $300/mo AI ULTRA membership. It's interesting. Google One memberships even can't detail what "extra features" I can have, because it possibly changes every hour or so.

Keyframe 1y ago
> There's also $300/mo AI ULTRA membership Not if you're in EU though. Even though I have zero or less AI use so far, I tinker with it. I'm more than happy to pay $200+tax for Max 20x. I'd be happy to pay same-ish for Gemini Pro.. if I knew how and where to have Gemini CLI like I do with Claude code. I have Google One. WHERE DO I SIGN UP, HOW DO I PAY AND USE IT GOOGLE? Only thing I have managed so far is through openrouter via API and credits which would amount to thousands a month if I were to use it as such, which I won't do. What I do now is occasionally I go to AI Studio and use it for free.
SecretDreams 1y ago
Maybe their products team is also just run by Gemini, and it's changing its mind every day? I also just got the email for Gemini ultra and I couldn't even figure out what was being offered compared to pro outside of 30tb storage vs 2tb storage!
- ethbr1 1y ago
  > Maybe their products team is also just run by Gemini, and it's changing its mind every day? Never ascribe to AI, that which is capable of being borked by human PMs.

gavinray 1y ago

I actually had this exact same question when I read the docs, made an issue about it: https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/issues/1427 https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/issues/1427

chrisandchris 1y ago
I find it very interesting that the only way to reach Google support .... seems to be to file an issue in a competitors product (besides using X or whatever).

3abiton 1y ago

And they say our scale up is siloed. Leave it to google to show' em.

behnamoh 1y ago

Actually, that's the reason a lot of startups and solo developers prefer non-Google solutions, even though the quality of Gemini 2.5 Pro is insanely high. The Google Cloud Dashboard is a mess, and they haven't fixed it in years. They have Vertex that is supposed to host some of their models, but I don't understand what's the difference between that and their own cloud. And then you have two different APIs depending on the level of your project: This is literally the opposite of what we would expect from an AI provider where you start small and regardless of the scale of your project, you do not face obstacles. So essentially, Google has built an API solution that does not scale because as soon as your project gets bigger, you have to switch from the Google AI Studio API to the Vertex API. And I find it ridiculous because their OpenAI compatible API does not work all the time. And a lot of tools that rely on that actually don't work. Google's AI offerings that should be simplified/consolidated: - Jules vs Gemini CLI? - Vertex API (requires a Google Cloud Account) vs Google AI Studio API Also, since Vertex depends on Google Cloud, projects get more complicated because you have to modify these in your app [1]: ``` # Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values # with appropriate values for your project. export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True ``` [1]: https://cloud.google.com/vertex-ai/generative-ai/docs/start/quickstarts/quickstart-multimodal#gen-ai-sdk-for-python https://cloud.google.com/vertex-ai/generative-ai/docs/start/...

tarvaina 1y ago
It took me a while but I think the difference between Vertex and Gemini APIs is that Vertex is meant for existing GCP users and Gemini API for everyone else. If you are already using GCP then Vertex API works like everything else there. If you are not, then Gemini API is much easier. But they really should spell it out, currently it's really confusing. Also they should make it clearer which SDKs, documents, pricing, SLAs etc apply to each. I still get confused when I google up some detail and end up reading the wrong document.
- fooster 1y ago
  The other difference is that reliability for the gemini api is garbage, whereas for vertex ai it is fantastic.

__MatrixMan__ 1y ago

Anthropic is the same. Unless it has changed within the last few months, you can subscribe to Claude but if you want to use Claude Code it'll come out of your "API usage" bucket which is billed separately than the subscription. Some jerk has learned that we prefer CLI things and has come to the conclusion that we should therefore pay extra for them. Workaround is to use their GUI with some MCPs but I dislike it because window navigation is just clunky compared to terminal multiplexer navigation.

gnur 1y ago
This has changed actually, since this month you can use claude code if you have a cloud pro subscription.
- __MatrixMan__ 1y ago
  Great news, thanks.
trostaft 1y ago
AFAIK, Claude code operates on your subscription, no? That's what this support page says https://support.anthropic.com/en/articles/11145838-using-claude-code-with-your-pro-or-max-plan https://support.anthropic.com/en/articles/11145838-using-cla... Could have changed recently. I'm not a user so I can't verify.
- re5i5tor 1y ago
  In recent research (relying on Claude so bear that in mind), connecting CC via Anthropic Console account / API key ends up being less expensive.
  - CGamesPlay 1y ago
    There's a log analyzer tool that will tell you how much the API costs are for your usage: https://ccusage.com https://ccusage.com
  - 1y ago

GardenLetter27 1y ago

Google is fumbling the bag so badly with the pricing. Gemini 2.5 Pro is the best model I've used (even better than o3 IMO) and yet there's no simple Claude/Cursor like subscription to just get full access. Nevermind Enterprise users too, where OpenAI has it locked up.

llm_nerd 1y ago
I wouldn't dream of thinking anyone has anything "locked up". Certainly not OpenAI which increasingly seems to be on an uphill battle against competitors (including Microsoft who even though they're a partner, are also a competitor) who have other inroads. Not sure what you mean by "full access", as none of the providers offer unrestricted usage. Pro gets you 2.5 Pro with usage limits. Ultra gets you higher limits + deep think (edit: accidentally put research when I meant think where it spends more resources on an answer) + much more Veo 3 usage. And of course you can use the API usage-billed model.
- tmoertel 1y ago
  The Gemini Pro subscription includes Deep Research and Veo 3; you don't need the pricey Ultra subscription: https://gemini.google/subscriptions/ https://gemini.google/subscriptions/
  - magic_hamster 1y ago
    Veo 3 is available only in some regions even for Pro users.
- Spooky23 1y ago
  In the enterprise space, Microsoft’s pain is OpenAI’s gain. They are kicking butt. In enterprises, Microsoft’s value proposition is that you’re leveraging all of the controls that you already have! Except… who is happy with the state of SharePoint governance?
  - willy_k 1y ago

ur-whale 1y ago

> Delightful! You clearly have never had the "pleasure" to work with a Google product manager. Especially the kind that were hired in the last 15-ish years. This type of situation is absolutely typical, and probably one of the more benign thing among the general blight they typically inflict on Google's product offering. The cartesian product of pricing options X models is an effing nightmare to navigate.

bachmeier 1y ago

I had a conversation with Copilot about Copilot offerings. Here's what they told me: If I Could Talk to Satya... I'd say: “Hey Satya, love the Copilots—but maybe we need a Copilot for Copilots to help people figure out which one they need!” Then I had them print out a table of Copilot plans: - Microsoft Copilot Free - Github Copilot Free - Github Copilot Pro - Github Copilot Pro+ - Microsoft Copilot Pro (can only be purchased for personal accounts) - Microsoft 365 Copilot (can't be used with personal accounts and can only be purchased by an organization)

boston_clone 1y ago
I'd really like to hear your own personal perspective on the topic instead of a regurgitation of an LLM.
- bachmeier 1y ago
  > instead of a regurgitation of an LLM Copilot is stating the plans for its own services are confusing. Summarizing it as "regurgitation of an LLM" doesn't adequately capture the purpose of the post.
  - boston_clone 1y ago
    To be frank, no one here cares what copilot has to say on the matter.

diegof79 1y ago

Google suffers from Microsoft's issues: it has products for almost everything, but its confusing product messaging dilutes all the good things it does. I like Gemini 2.5 Pro, too, and recently, I tried different AI products (including the Gemini Pro plan) because I wanted a good AI chat assistant for everyday use. But I also wanted to reduce my spending and have fewer subscriptions. The Gemini Pro subscription is included with Google One, which is very convenient if you use Google Drive. But I already have an iCloud subscription tightly integrated with iOS, so switching to Drive and losing access to other iCloud functionality (like passwords) wasn’t in my plans. Then there is the Gemini chat UI, which is light years behind the OpenAI ChatGPT client for macOS. NotebookLM is good at summarizing documents, but the experience isn’t integrated with the Gemini chat, so it’s like constantly switching between Google products without a good integrated experience. The result is that I end up paying a subscription to Raycast AI because the chat app is very well integrated with other Raycast functions, and I can try out models. I don’t get the latest model immediately, but it has an integrated experience with my workflow. My point in this long description is that by being spread across many products, Google is losing on the UX side compared to OpenAI (for general tasks) or Anthropic (for coding). In just a few months, Google tried to catch up with v0 (Google Stitch), GH Copilot/Cursor (with that half-baked VSCode plugin), and now Claude Code. But all the attempts look like side-projects that will be killed soon.

Fluorescence 1y ago
> The Gemini Pro subscription is included with Google One It's not in Basic, Standard or Premium. It's in a new tier called "Google AI Pro" which I think is worth inclusion in your catalogue of product confusion. Oh wait, there's even more tiers that for some reason can't be paid for annually. Weird... why not? "Google AI Ultra" and some others just called Premium again but now include AI. 9 tiers, 5 called Premium, 2 with AI in the name but 6 that include Gemini. What a mess.
- scoopdewoop 1y ago
  It is bold to assume these products will even exist in a year

guestbest 1y ago

You’d think with all this AI tooling they'd be able to organize better, but I think that the AI Age will be a very messy one with messaging and content

tmaly 1y ago

I was just trying to figure out if I get anything as a pro user. Thank you, you answered my question. This is very confusing how they post about this on X, you would think you get additional usage. Messaging is very confusing.

upcoming-sesame 1y ago

I think Pro is for regular folks, not specifically for programmers. I also have a pro subscription and wish I could get an API key with that with generous quota as well but pro is just for "consumers" using Gemini app I guess

fhinkel 1y ago

That's valuable feedback and we're taking it to heart.

tom_m 1y ago

They are horrendous about their product strategy and positioning.

pnarotam001 1y ago

Google needs to package their products better. It's always been the case with them. GCP is confusing because you can't easily find their services.

ulnarkressty 1y ago

The other day I was trying to figure out a cost estimate for Gemini 2.5 Pro but they don't have this in their pricing calculator - it just isn't there. Only endless tables with various model sizes and options which aren't explained.

artdigital 1y ago

How can I subscribe to this? From the comments here it sounds like it's NOT bundled into the Gemini Pro subscription, but into "Gemini Code Assist Standard". I can't find any way to upgrade to a paid plan, is this even possible for individuals, or is it just "free or enterprise"? /Edit: Okay I went through the Gemini docs. I found that in Google Cloud you can enable Gemini Code Assist Standard and Enterprise for the account - Standard is $19.00/mo - Enterprise is $45.00/mo Difference between the 2 editions: https://cloud.google.com/products/gemini/pricing https://cloud.google.com/products/gemini/pricing /Edit2: Found the actual management screen: https://codeassist.google.com/overview https://codeassist.google.com/overview

powerapple 1y ago

Google does not care about users at all, ZERO, it is full of people are so fond of technology, they try something and soon move on to something else. I am using Google Cloud for work, and previously Google Mail , Google Map, and YouTube user, zero good experience.

2muchcoffeeman 1y ago

I was having such a good time using Gemini 2.5 Pro I forgot that Google is generally incapable of sustaining a new product. I’ll try not to get used too attached to it.

deleted 1y ago

[deleted]