That's the thing. I am completely lost because there are so many redundant paths to get the same thing and I'm trying to figure out which one is the best deal
Well are you looking for a subscription or pay-as-you-go API usage?
Subscription? -> Google One plan (http://one.google.com/)
API? -> AI Studio (https://aistudio.google.com/)
It's not really any different than the choice you'd make with OpenAI/Anthropic depending on how you plan to use it. Except as a hyperscalar, it's also offered first party from Google Cloud (like Claude via Amazon Bedrock or GPT via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service):
Google Cloud -> Gemini Enterprise AI Platform (https://cloud.google.com/ai)
But if you're using models via OpenCode or Pi or whatever, the flow chart is basically just "Go To AI Studio" unless you or your employer is already used to Google Cloud, otherwise there's no need to subject yourself to all those enterprise-y IAM dashboards and stuff. You still get free usage from AI Studio when you generate the API key without needing to add billing details so very easy to try.
good summary, thanks. I used to use Google Cloud for consulting and projects (I worked at Google for a while, and there is some nostalgia) so I have Gemini API via Google Cloud, but I am retired now. Your post reminded me that I need to shut that all down and switch to getting an API key using AI Studio.
I have spent two months experimenting with a wide range of US and Chinese models, and I had a lot of fun doing that, but I am in the process of switching to just using local models, using Gemini on an API if I need it, and once or twice a month when I really need help on something difficult, I use something top-tier like Kimi K3.
This is what killed Gemini for me. The model might well be great, but the ecosystem Google has built around them is a confusing maze of not-quite-there products.
