Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, announced on Tuesday that its artificial intelligence system, Bard, will now be equipped with fact-checking capabilities and the ability to analyze users’ personal data from Google as it aims to catch up with the popularity of ChatGPT.
Last year, the launch of ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI with support from Microsoft, created a race among tech companies to provide consumers with access to generative AI technology. ChatGPT quickly became the fastest-growing consumer application and is now among the top 30 most visited websites globally.
However, Bard has not achieved the same level of success. In August, Bard received only 13 percent of the visits ChatGPT received, according to Similarweb, a website analytics firm.
In an effort to gain traction in the rapidly evolving AI field, Google is introducing Bard Extensions, allowing users to import their data from other Google products. For example, users can ask Bard to search their files in Google Drive or provide a summary of their Gmail inbox. Currently, Bard only supports integration with Google apps, but Google is collaborating with external companies to connect their applications with Bard in the future, according to Google’s senior product director, Jack Krawczyk.
Another significant enhancement in Bard addresses a common issue with generative AI – providing inaccurate responses, also known as “hallucinations.” Bard users will now be able to identify which parts of Bard’s answers differ from and align with Google search results.
“We are presenting Bard in a transparent manner, acknowledging when it lacks confidence,” explained Krawczyk. This approach aims to build trust among users by holding Bard accountable.
A third new feature allows users to invite others to participate in Bard conversations.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
WealthnationUSA’s Perspective:
Google’s announcement to upgrade Bard with fact-checking capabilities and data analysis reflects the company’s determination to compete with the growing popularity of ChatGPT. Despite ChatGPT’s dominance in the generative AI space, Google seeks to narrow the gap by introducing Bard Extensions, enabling users to import data from other Google products. This move positions Bard as a more integrated and versatile AI tool.
The implementation of features that address accuracy concerns, such as identifying discrepancies between Bard’s responses and Google search results, showcases Google’s commitment to transparency and user trust. By demonstrating accountability, Google is actively addressing the challenges faced by generative AI systems.
Furthermore, the ability for users to invite others into Bard conversations fosters collaboration and expands the potential use cases for the AI system. This feature promotes a more inclusive and interactive experience, allowing users to leverage Bard in group settings.
As Google continues to evolve its AI offerings, the upgrades to Bard demonstrate the company’s dedication to providing users with advanced AI capabilities while ensuring accuracy, transparency, and user empowerment.
