Proton has launched Lumo version 2.0, its most significant update to the privacy-focused chatbot nearly a year after its initial release. The updated version introduces image recognition and generation capabilities, positioning Lumo 2.0 as a competitor to established models like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Lumo 2.0 can generate, analyze, and edit images while ensuring that conversations involving images are protected by zero-access encryption. This encryption allows accessibility solely on the user’s device, preventing third-party access, including from Proton itself.
The update includes a new “thinking mode” designed to enhance the chatbot’s reasoning capabilities. Proton reports that Lumo 2.0 Lite scored 127 percent higher than its predecessor, Lumo 1.4, on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index benchmark. Lumo 2.0 Max achieved a score 240 percent higher than Lumo 1.4 on the same benchmark, which evaluates models across various tasks.
Improvements in context awareness allow Lumo 2.0 to conduct deeper searches for background information and provide more accurate responses. The chatbot can now also deliver the latest information and source citations in its responses.
Lumo 2.0 is available for use with its core AI capabilities offered for free. A subscription option, Lumo Plus, is available for $10 per month, which provides unlimited chats, advanced image generation, and access to Proton’s more sophisticated models.
Proton founder and CEO Andy Yen stated, “Lumo 2.0 has been re-engineered from the ground up and the introduction of thinking mode gives it powerful new capabilities.” He added that user testing indicates the gap between Lumo 2.0 Max and competing models from OpenAI and Anthropic has narrowed significantly, allowing users to benefit from both advanced AI capabilities and robust privacy protections.
