On March 21, 2023, Google released the public beta of its much-anticipated AI chatbot, Bard. As an AI enthusiast, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this new technology, so I decided to dive in and share my first impressions with all of you.
1. Multiple Drafts Feature: One of the first things you'll notice in Bard is its ability to provide multiple drafts of an answer. This offers users the flexibility to choose the response that best suits their needs or preferences, making it a valuable tool for a variety of purposes, from content creation to problem-solving.
2. Speed: The chatbot is fast. Response time is remarkable. After typing a question, an animated stars icon appears for just a few seconds before the full answer is displayed, as opposed to ChatGPT which slowly builds the answer. OpenAI's chatbot does make it feel like a real-time conversation with this animation, but Google's snappy responses could be helpful when working with large quantities.
3. Apologetic Language Replaced with Affirmation: Instead of using apologetic language (my experience with ChatGPT when you point out an error), Bard seems to prefer acknowledging the user's correctness with phrases like, "You're right." This adds an aura of confidence and reliability to the chatbot's interactions.
4. Knowledge Cutoff Date: (This is significant) Bard doesn't appear to have a knowledge cutoff date, meaning its database is continually updated with the latest information. This feature sets it apart from other AI chatbots that have specific knowledge cutoffs.
5. Accuracy Concerns: Despite its impressive features, Bard isn't perfect. For example, it incorrectly claimed that Coca-Cola was using Bard for social media content creation when, in reality, they were working with competitor OpenAI. It's important to be aware of potential inaccuracies and verify information when necessary.
6. Source Attribution: A standout feature of Bard is its occasional inclusion of sources within the answer. This transparency allows users to verify the information provided, which is especially useful when seeking factual or data-driven answers. Bing AI also does this.
7. Language Limitations: As of now, Bard doesn't seem to be as adept at switching languages. This limitation might be addressed in future updates, but for now, it's a drawback for non-English speakers.
8. Formatting: Another notable feature of Bard is its ability to present information in a table format when applicable. This visual aid can make it easier for users to comprehend and analyze complex data, further enhancing the overall experience.
Google's AI chatbot Bard has some promising features, such as multiple drafts, fast response time, and source attribution. However, it's not without its flaws, such as occasional inaccuracies and language limitations. As with any new technology, it will likely improve over time, and I'm excited to see how Bard continues to evolve in the coming months.