Google unveils ‘Bard’ AI service to take on ChatGPT


Google has introduced Bard, a conversational AI service that runs on LaMDA and aims to rival ChatGPT. Currently, Bard is only being trialed by a selected group and is considered an experimental service.

Meanwhile, OpenAI has introduced a tool for detecting AI-generated text and Microsoft has made a multi-billion dollar investment in OpenAI for a multi-year partnership.

Bard powered by Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA)

Today, Google CEO Sundar Pichai introduced a new experimental conversational AI service named Bard, powered by the latest version of LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications). This innovative service utilizes the wealth of information on the web to provide fresh, high-quality responses to users. In a blog post, Pichai showcased the potential of Bard in revolutionizing the world of conversational AI.

Bard aims to merge the vast knowledge of the world with advanced language models. It utilizes information from the web to deliver accurate and fresh responses. With Bard, one can tap into their creativity, satisfy their curiosity, and expand their knowledge. Examples include explaining scientific discoveries to a child, learning about top football players, or getting tips to improve their skills.

Use Bard to simplify complex topics, like explaining new discoveries from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to a 9-year-old.

Additionally, the company is initially releasing a lightweight version of LaMDA’s model for Bard. This smaller model requires less computing power, enabling wider access and more feedback. Feedback from external sources and internal testing will be combined to ensure that Bard’s responses are of high quality, safe, and based on real-world information.

AI-powered features in Search

AI has the potential to enhance our understanding of information and make it easier to access relevant knowledge. As people increasingly seek deeper insights and understanding, Google aims to provide AI-powered features in Search that simplify complex information and provide a diverse range of perspectives.

These features will condense information into digestible formats, making it easier for users to quickly grasp the big picture and learn more about their topic of interest. From exploring different opinions to delving deeper into related subjects, these AI-powered features will soon be available on Google Search.

Generative Language API – Helping developers innovate with AI

Google also announced that next month, individual developers, creators, and enterprises will be able to try the Generative Language API, initially powered by LaMDA with additional models to come. The company’s goal is to create a range of tools and APIs to make it easier for others to develop innovative AI applications.

Access to computing resources is crucial for startups to build trustworthy AI systems, and Google is excited to support these efforts through partnerships with Cohere, C3.ai, and Anthropic via Google Cloud.

Availability

Google’s Bard is launching for external testers today and will have wider public availability in the upcoming weeks.

Speaking on the announcement, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, said,

We continue to provide education and resources for our researchers, partner with governments and external organizations to develop standards and best practices, and work with communities and experts to make AI safe and useful.

Whether it’s applying AI to radically transform our own products or making these powerful tools available to others, we’ll continue to be bold with innovation and responsible in our approach. And it’s just the beginning — more to come in all of these areas in the weeks and months ahead.