Google announced its experimental conversational AI service, Bard, which will compete with rival ChatGPT developed by OpenAI. The release of Bard was confirmed in a blog post by Google, which stated that the company would begin rolling out the technology in the coming weeks.
Bard is powered by Google’s large language model LaMDA, or Language Model for Dialogue Applications. The company plans to test the technology with “trusted testers” before making it available to the public.
Bard is designed to help deliver answers to inquiries by combining the depth of the world’s information with the power, intelligence, and creativity of its large language models. It is capable of providing information on recent events, setting it apart from OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is limited to events prior to 2021.
“Code Red” Plan to Respond to ChatGPT
In response to the increasing popularity of ChatGPT, Google has been testing new features with employees as part of a “code red” plan. Features include a chatbot called “Apprentice Bard” and new search desktop designs that can be used in a question-and-answer format.
“AI-Powered Features in Search”
In the blog post, Google CEO Sundar Pichai wrote, “Soon, you’ll see AI-powered features in Search that distill complex information and multiple perspectives into easy-to-digest formats, so 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.”
Examples of Using Bard to Simplify Complex Topics
Google has given an example of using Bard to simplify complex topics, such as explaining new discoveries from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to a 9-year-old. This highlights the potential of Bard to make complex information more accessible to a wider audience.
“More Reputational Risk”
The release of Bard comes after a recent all-hands meeting where employees raised concerns about the company’s competitiveness in AI, given the sudden popularity of ChatGPT.CNBC reported that Google’s AI chief, Jeff Dean, told employees that the company has much more “reputational risk” in providing wrong information and is moving “more conservatively than a small startup.” However, he and Pichai hinted that Google may launch similar products to the public sometime this year.
“Rigorous Testing”
Google emphasized that Bard will need rigorous testing, saying, “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.”
Google will first release a lightweight version of LaMDA, which will require less computing power, making it possible for Bard to reach more users and receive more feedback.
Google’s Prime Business: Web Search
Google’s prime business is web search, and the company has long touted itself as a pioneer in AI. Leaders have been asking for more employee feedback on their AI efforts in recent weeks.
With the release of Bard, Google is entering the competition with ChatGPT and is set to bring its AI expertise to the forefront. AI has been a focus for Google for the past six years, and the introduction of Bard is the latest demonstration of this. The company plans to integrate its AI-powered features into Search, providing billions of users with new information and intelligence capabilities. As the AI industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Bard performs and how it will shape the future of AI technology.
