Alphabet Inc‘s Google announced on Tuesday that its generative artificial intelligence, Bard, will now possess the ability to fact-check responses and analyze users’ personal data stored on Google. This move comes as Google endeavors to close the gap with Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT, which has gained significant popularity. Upon its release last year, ChatGPT quickly became one of the most widely used consumer applications globally, prompting other tech giants to compete in the field of generative AI technology. In comparison, Bard has not garnered the same level of attention, receiving only 13% of the visits ChatGPT received in August, according to Similarweb, a website analytics firm.
In an effort to gain ground in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, Google has introduced Bard Extensions. These extensions allow users to import data from other Google products. For instance, users can request Bard to search their files stored in Google Drive or provide summaries of their Gmail inbox. Initially, Bard will only support integration with Google apps, but Google intends to collaborate with external companies to connect their applications to Bard in the future, stated Google senior product director Jack Krawczyk.
Addressing a common issue encountered with generative AI, Bard now presents a feature aimed at rectifying inaccurate responses, commonly referred to as hallucinations. Users will be able to verify which parts of Bard’s answers align with Google search results and which differ. We are presenting (Bard) in a way that it admits when it’s not confident, said Krawczyk, emphasizing the importance of establishing trust in generative AI by holding Bard accountable.
Additionally, Bard introduces another feature allowing users to invite others to participate in their conversations. This latest update aims to enhance collaboration and provide a platform for exchanging ideas within Bard’s interface.
As the race to dominate the generative AI landscape intensifies, Google’s latest developments with Bard demonstrate the company’s determination to bridge the gap with its competitors. By empowering Bard with fact-checking capabilities and the ability to analyze personal data, Google seeks to attract more users and position Bard as a trustworthy and reliable AI tool. As Bard Extensions expand to include external applications, Google envisions Bard becoming a versatile platform that seamlessly integrates various technologies to enhance users’ overall experience.
