Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest race in the tech industry. Google recently opened access to its generative AI chatbot, Bard, which has been described as an attempt to keep pace with Microsoft-backed ChatGPT. In early access now for a little over a week, Bard was previously only available to a small group of select testers.
“We’re starting to open access to Bard, an early experiment that lets you collaborate with generative AI. We’re beginning with the US and the UK and will expand to more countries and languages over time,” Google said in a blog post.
Google Bard vs. ChatGPT
Bard is similar to ChatGPT in that when users input a question or task, such as planning a vacation or outlining an essay, the tool then searches the internet and provides answers in a human-like response. The respective introductions of these AI tools, however, could not have been more different. When ChatGPT arrived in November 2022, it quickly established itself as the best chatbot in the market, leading Microsoft to incorporate the AI into its search engine, Bing, and web browser, Edge. By contrast, Google’s launch event of Bard appeared rushed, with technical complications that led to a $100 billion loss in market value for the company.
How does Google Bard work?
Questionable launch aside, Bard runs on some impressive technology. It’s powered by Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA), a tool aiming to combine the “depth of the world’s knowledge with the power, intelligence, and creativity of Google’s large language models.” As a generative AI, Bard can produce creative ideas and novel content, like text, images and video, instead of simply analyzing and categorizing existing data like other AI. This breakthrough technology could drastically transform the way users create content.
“Bard can be an outlet for creativity, and a launchpad for curiosity, helping you to explain new discoveries from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to a 9-year-old, or learn more about the best strikers in football right now, and then get drills to build your skills,” Google explained in its initial press release.
What’s next?
While Bard is still in development, Google’s AI ambitions are quite lofty. Last week, the company announced numerous AI-powered features will be coming to Gmail, Docs, Meet, and Chat, including the ability to draft emails, brainstorm, and generate images. It’s the latest sign of a surging global market for generative AI, which is expected to reach $188.62 billion by 2032, according to a report by Brainy Insights.
Google says it’s building Bard responsibly, using human feedback and evaluation to improve its systems. “Our work on Bard is guided by our AI principles, and we continue to focus on quality and safety,” said Sissie Hsiao, vice president of product and Eli Collins, vice president of research.
How to sign up for Google Bard
The company’s AI goals clearly go far beyond chatbots, but for now, you can click here to sign up for the Bard waitlist. Some users report receiving an invite within a few hours, but wait times will likely vary based on demand.
Final thoughts
Google’s entry into the generative AI chatbot space is an exciting development with the potential to change the way we approach content creation and communication. While Bard’s launch may have been overshadowed by the hype surrounding ChatGPT, its early access release shows Google is serious about competing in this rapidly evolving field. Only time will tell how much, and how soon, AI will have an impact on our daily lives.
That uncertainty can leave business owners worrying about AI’s impact on digital marketing tactics, including SEO. While we wait to see the long-term effects of AI tools like Google Bard on marketing practices and content development, businesses should prioritize providing in-depth information and audience-focused guidance that AI-generated responses can’t yet match.
Whether you view AI as a concern or an opportunity, Baer Performance Marketing can help you navigate this evolving landscape and develop a strategy that works for your business. Contact us today or join the conversation on social media @baerpm.