In March, Google introduced Bard, an artificial intelligence chatbot, as its response to the highly popular ChatGPT by OpenAI. While Bard initially had less sophisticated AI capabilities than ChatGPT, Google has been working diligently to improve it. Now, Google is taking a significant step by connecting Bard to its most-used consumer services, such as Gmail, Docs, and YouTube. This move is aimed at seamlessly integrating Bard into Google’s extensive lineup of online products.
Bard, although not as widely recognized as ChatGPT, is undergoing transformations to enhance its appeal. Jack Krawczyk, Google’s product lead for Bard, acknowledged users’ feedback that Bard needed better integration into their personal lives.
The New Generation of Chatbots
The emergence of chatbots powered by artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital landscape. These AI-driven bots are challenging the status quo and have the potential to disrupt established internet giants while paving the way for new industry leaders. Here are some noteworthy bots:
- ChatGPT: Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT has garnered attention for its ability to handle complex queries, generate code, compose poetry, plan vacations, and translate languages. The latest version, GPT-4, introduced in mid-March, can even respond to images.
- Bing: Microsoft, a primary investor and partner of OpenAI, introduced a similar chatbot on its Bing search engine, capable of open-ended text conversations. However, Bing’s chatbot received attention for occasional inaccuracies and unusual responses.
Google’s strategy to catch up with ChatGPT involves Bard Extensions. These extensions aim to replicate some of Google’s search engine capabilities by integrating Flights, Hotels, and Maps, allowing users to research travel and transportation. Additionally, Bard seeks to become a personalized assistant, helping users identify missed emails and crucial document points.
However, the use of AI chatbots has raised concerns, including the spread of misinformation or “hallucinations.” Users often struggle to distinguish factual information from falsehoods.
To address this, Google has revamped the “Google It” button on Bard’s website. It now verifies Bard’s answers, highlighting confident responses in green and providing supporting evidence via links. When there’s uncertainty, responses are highlighted in orange.
Google is committed to enhancing Bard’s reliability and transparency. They aim to admit mistakes when they occur, reinforcing user trust.
The development of large language models, like the one powering Bard, has raised questions about data usage and privacy. Google emphasizes its commitment to protecting users’ personal information and states that Bard doesn’t use content from Gmail, Docs, and Drive for advertising or model training.
Google has also expanded Bard’s image upload feature to over 40 languages and allows users to share Bard conversations for collaborative discussions.
While Bard is available in over 200 countries and territories, Google still refers to it as an “experiment.” According to Jack Krawczyk, these AI technologies are in their early stages, and it’s essential for users to understand their capabilities thoroughly.