Google is developing a chatbot to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The experimental conversational AI service known as Bard is being tested by a small number of people.
Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, revealed the project today in a blog post, characterising the tool as an “experimental conversational AI service” that will answer users’ questions and participate in conversations. According to Pichai, the software would be made accessible to a set of trusted testers today before becoming more freely available to the public in the following weeks.
It’s unclear what powers Bard will have, but it appears the chatbot will be as versatile as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. A screenshot urges users to ask Bard practical questions, such as how to arrange a baby shower or what to wear to one.
According to Pichai, “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.”
Pichai also mentions that Bard “draws on information from the web to offer current, high-quality responses,” implying that it may be able to respond to questions regarding recent events, something ChatGPT struggles with.
Microsoft, which has invested billions of dollars in OpenAI, has also seized the opportunity. ChatGPT is being integrated into Microsoft’s Bing search engine as well as other items in its office software suite. Last week, screenshots purportedly demonstrating a ChatGPT-enhanced Bing were leaked.