Google Bard is an innovative chatbot tool developed by Google, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning to simulate human-like conversations.
Beyond enhancing the capabilities of Google search, Bard can be seamlessly integrated into websites, messaging platforms, or applications, providing users with realistic and natural language responses to their queries. Let’s dive deeper into Google Bard and find out if it’s going to compete with Chat GPT.
The Inner Workings of Google Bard
Google Bard is built upon the Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2), a cutting-edge language model released in late 2022. This model, as well as its predecessor, Google’s Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA) technology, is based on Transformer, an advanced neural network architecture introduced by Google in 2017. The open-source nature of Transformer has enabled the development of various generative AI tools, including the renowned GPT-3 language model utilized in ChatGPT.
Bard has been specifically designed to revolutionize the search experience. It aims to enable users to conduct searches using natural language queries instead of relying solely on keywords.
By training Bard’s AI to comprehend conversational queries and generate context-rich responses, it goes beyond presenting a simple list of answers. Additionally, Bard assists users with follow-up questions, introducing a novel element to the search process.
The initial version of Bard employed a lighter model based on LaMDA, allowing it to scale to a larger number of concurrent users without demanding excessive computing resources. The integration of the PaLM language model further enhances Bard’s ability to provide visually enriched responses to user queries.
Controversy Around Google Bard
The initial announcement of Google Bard was made on February 6, 2023, albeit without a specific release date. Some speculated that Google rushed the launch of Bard due to the success and positive reception of ChatGPT.
During a live demo featuring Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Bard provided an incorrect response to a query, causing embarrassment for Google. In this instance, when asked about the new discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope, Bard falsely claimed that it had taken the very first pictures of a planet outside our solar system.
Astronomers promptly pointed out the error, resulting in Google losing $100 billion in market value the following day.
Bard Updates: A More Global, Visual, and Integrated Experience
Bard has exciting updates! It now supports more languages worldwide, eliminating the waitlist. PaLM 2 enhances its coding and reasoning abilities.
Google is also actively working on visual responses and image prompts.
Coding capabilities and export features have been improved. Integration with Google apps and external services like Adobe Firefly is underway.
Bard aims to become a hub for creativity and productivity, connecting with platforms like Kayak, OpenTable, ZipRecruiter, Instacart, Wolfram, and Khan Academy.
The future holds limitless possibilities for Bard.
Limitations of Google Bard
Similar to other AI chatbots, Bard faces the challenge of learning and training to provide accurate responses amidst inaccurate or misleading information.
This was evident during its initial demo when it delivered an incorrect answer. AI training is an ongoing and resource-intensive process due to the ever-evolving nature of information. Google Bard has a lot to do before it could catch up to Chat GPT.
Is Google Bard Free?
As of now, there is no indication from Google regarding any charges for using Bard. Historically, Google has not imposed fees on its services, with the exception of its cloud business.
The assumption is that Bard, as an integrated feature of Google’s basic search engine, will remain freely accessible.
Google Bard vs. ChatGPT
Both Google Bard and OpenAI’s ChatGPT are AI chatbots designed to facilitate interactions through natural language models and machine learning. They employ large language models (LLMs) to generate conversational text.
ChatGPT utilizes generative AI, allowing it to produce original content upon request. For instance, users can ask ChatGPT to generate a thesis on the advantages of AI. Similarly, Google Bard can generate new information, although its primary focus is on enhancing the naturalness and helpfulness of search queries.
While Bard primarily supports Google, ChatGPT has also been integrated into Microsoft’s Bing search engine, as part of a $10 billion deal between Microsoft and OpenAI. This collaboration aims to deliver more conversational search results, similar to the capabilities offered by Google Bard.
As a result, other search engines may also choose to license ChatGPT. On the other hand, Bard is exclusively intended to augment Google’s search functionality.
One notable distinction between the two is that ChatGPT’s responses are based on data available until 2021, while Google Bard leverages up-to-date, current data. To be effective as a search engine technology, ChatGPT must provide answers based on the most recent information, rather than relying on data from two years ago.
To address concerns about plagiarism, OpenAI has introduced a plagiarism detection tool for educators using ChatGPT. However, it remains uncertain whether Google Bard has a similar plagiarism detection mechanism. Bard occasionally cites and links to external sources in its responses.
Top 6 Advantages of Utilizing Google Bard AI
Google Bard AI offers several compelling benefits, positioning itself as a competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Let’s explore the remarkable features that make Bard a valuable tool:
User-Friendly Interface:
Bard AI adopts Google’s “material design” principles, featuring smooth animations, visually pleasing colors, and an intuitive interface. Users can effortlessly switch between dark and light modes, access a helpful FAQ section, and review their previous activities.
Viewing Alternative Drafts:
Bard AI introduces a unique design feature not commonly found in other AI chatbots. For each prompt, Bard automatically generates at least three possible replies and presents what it considers the best response. Users can easily explore the other drafts, enabling a thorough examination to determine the most suitable answer.
Voice Input:
Unlike ChatGPT, Bard AI offers seamless voice control. Users can simply click the microphone icon in the text box and speak their prompt. This functionality resembles the dictation feature found in the Android keyboard, Google Keyboard.
Internet Access:
Google has seamlessly integrated Bard AI with the internet, offering free access. This means Bard can browse the web and gather relevant data on behalf of the user. In contrast, ChatGPT requires a $20/month membership and the use of GPT-4 to connect to the internet.
Leveraging Google Search Results:
With its unparalleled search capabilities, Google Search is the most widely used search engine globally. Bard AI leverages this advantage by basing its responses on Google Search results, surpassing its competitors, including Bing Chat, which is not a direct rival in this context.
Location-Sensitivity
Google Search’s ability to provide location-specific and contextually relevant results further enhances Bard’s appeal. For instance, when searching for “hotels near me” in Dubai, Bard AI will only present suggestions for hotels in that particular city, aligning with Google Search’s capabilities.
Alternatives to Google Bard
Several companies have been working on chatbot technologies similar to Bard, although they have not garnered the same level of attention as ChatGPT. Some of the competing alternatives that Bard will encounter upon its release include:
Microsoft Bing:
Through its partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft aims to offer AI-powered search capabilities similar to what Google Bard provides. When users conduct a search query, they will receive standard Bing search results, along with answers generated by GPT-4. Moreover, they can interact with the AI to inquire further about its response.
Jasper Chat:
Jasper Chat is an AI chatbot and copywriting tool tailored specifically for companies seeking to create brand-relevant content and engage in customer conversations. It allows content creators to specify SEO keywords and desired tone of voice in their prompts.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Google Bard presents a true potential to become an impactful AI-powered chatbot tool to enhance the search experience through natural language processing and machine learning. Despite initial criticism, Bard has showcased its user-friendly interface, alternative draft viewing, voice input, and seamless internet access features.
Leveraging Google’s powerful search capabilities and up-to-date data, Bard aims to provide natural and helpful responses to user queries but it faces competition from alternatives like Chat GPT but offers unique advantages.
Google Bard represents a significant step in simulating human-like conversations and revolutionizing search interactions but only time will tell if it’s actually going to make its impact.
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
Thank you for your appreciation 🙂