Google Introduces ChatGPT’s Competitor Bard, Here’s What It Can Do

Google has finally introduced its AI chatbot that is expected to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Google had issued a code red ever since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022. Google’s AI chatbot called Bard powered by Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA). While Bard is currently being used by “trusted testers”, Sundar Pichai, CEO, Alphabet says that it would be made available to public in the upcoming days.

“We’re releasing it initially with our lightweight model version of LaMDA. This much smaller model requires significantly less computing power, enabling us to scale to more users, allowing for more feedback. We’ll combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bard’s responses meet a high bar for quality, safety and groundedness in real-world information. We’re excited for this phase of testing to help us continue to learn and improve Bard’s quality and speed,” said Pichai.

What Can Google’s Bard Be Used For?

Pichai says that “Bard seeks to combine the breadth of the world’s knowledge with the power, intelligence and creativity of our large language models”. Simply put, Google’s Bard has similar use cases to that of ChatGPT, which are as follows:

• Draws information from the web to provide a summary a high quality responses.
• Can explain new scientific discoveries.
• Help users develop their skills.
• Bard can simplify complex topics, which can be used for the benefits of school students.

Why Did Google Introduce Bard?

Artificial general intelligence is expected to change the way search functions. OpenAI took the first step in that direction, and became extremely popular at it. ChatGPT, which is now being backed by Microsoft, achieved 100 million users within a period of two months, which is something even Instagram and TikTok have not been able to do. Google, which probably was pipped over by another company for the first time, issued a code red as the AI chatbot was expected to redefine the way a search engine functions in general.

Paul Buchheit, the creator of Gmail, while mentioning how Google killed Yellow Pages, said that: “Google may be only a year or two away from total disruption. AI will eliminate the Search Engine Result Page, which is where they make most of their money. Even if they catch up on AI, they can’t fully deploy it without destroying the most valuable part of their business.”

Nevertheless, Google immediately announced that they were working on an AI chatbot of their own. Gaurav Munjal, founder, Unacademy, said that Google’s paranoia about ChatGPT was inspiring. “The fact that they accept that this is a Strategic Inflection Point for them and they’re in chaos mode says a lot about the Culture they have built. Most companies would be in ignorance stage. Android. Google Maps. Gmail. Google Docs. Chrome. YouTube. If they are paranoid then they will figure out a way to be a significant player AI as well. Almost every large enterprise that has been built is because the Entrepreneur stuck with one thing for 30-40 years,” Munjal tweeted.

Way Forward for Google Bard

Pichai added in his blog that users will soon be able to see AI-powered features in Google Search that distill complex information and multiple perspectives into easy-to-digest formats. “You can quickly understand the big picture and learn more from the web: whether that’s seeking out additional perspectives, like blogs from people who play both piano and guitar, or going deeper on a related topic, like steps to get started as a beginner. These new AI features will begin rolling out on Google Search soon.”