Google has fired the latest salvo in the battle for supremacy in the generative AI space. In its bid to outmaneuver competition from Microsoft-backed OpenAI, Anthropic, and other contenders, the search giant has unveiled new features for its chatbot, Bard.
Originally launched in March as a ChatGPT competitor, Google has now extended Bard's capabilities, equipping it with the power to analyze images and provide audio responses. Not just that, Bard now supports over 40 languages, making it a truly global player.
A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words - With Bard It's Even More
As part of the new updates, Google announced the integration of image capabilities into Bard. This feature, introduced as part of Google Lens at the annual developer conference Google I/O, allows users to upload an image and ask Bard to provide information or create captions based on the image. Initially available only in English, it signifies a crucial milestone in enhancing the chatbot's abilities to understand and interpret visual data.
Tailor-Made Responses: Casual or Professional? Long or Short?
Bard is all set to communicate with users in their preferred style. With five different response styles - simple, long, short, professional, and casual - Bard is now more flexible than ever. For instance, you can ask Bard to help you create a marketplace listing for a vintage armchair and then ask it to shorten the response. Initially launched in English, Google plans to expand this feature to other languages soon.
Listen to Bard: Words, Poems, and Scripts Come Alive
Google understands that sometimes, words are better heard than read. So, Bard can now vocalize its responses, aiding users with the correct pronunciation of a word, or narrating poems or scripts. This audio feature supports over 40 languages, enhancing Bard's reach across the globe.
Going Global: Bard Breaks Language and Regional Barriers
In another significant update, Google announced that Bard is now available in over 40 languages including Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi, and Spanish, and across various regions including Europe, a launch reportedly delayed due to privacy concerns raised by The Irish Data Protection Commission.
A Stronger Contender in the Generative AI Space
These updates come in the wake of intense competition in the generative AI space, with competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT also announcing new features. However, with the ability to analyze images and provide audio responses in multiple languages, Google's Bard looks set to hold its own and make an even more significant impact.
As Google continues to innovate and improve its AI, it's clear that Bard is not just another chatbot but an ever-evolving conversational partner capable of providing meaningful and diverse interaction. This is truly an exciting era for AI and the broader technology landscape.