Proton has launched Lumo version 2.0, its largest update yet for the privacy-focused chatbot, nearly a year after its initial release. The new version now features image recognition and generation capabilities, positioning it as a competitor to ChatGPT and Gemini.
Lumo 2.0 can generate, analyze, and edit images while ensuring conversations remain protected by zero-access encryption. According to Proton, this design prohibits access by third parties or even the company itself.
In addition to image-related features, Lumo 2.0 introduces a new thinking mode optimized for reasoning tasks. The updated platform scored 127 percent higher than Lumo 1.4 on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index benchmark, while Lumo 2.0 Max achieved a score 240 percent higher. This benchmark evaluates multiple task capabilities in AI models.
The improved Lumo can provide more accurate responses by digging deeper for relevant background information and can deliver the latest information with source citations. Lumo 2.0 is available for users, maintaining free core AI capabilities while offering an enhanced Lumo Plus subscription at $10 per month for unlimited chats, advanced image generation, and access to more advanced 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 noted that user testing has shown that the performance gap has closed significantly, with many users unable to perceive any qualitative difference between Lumo 2.0 Max and the latest models from OpenAI and Anthropic. Yen added that the new version allows users to benefit from advanced AI capabilities without sacrificing privacy.
