Google is developing a paid, premium version of its AI chatbot Bard, code-named “Bard Advanced,” according to multiple reports this week. The new service aims to take on ChatGPT and cement Google’s position in the fast-growing AI space.
Key Details on Bard Advanced
Several key details on Bard Advanced have emerged:
- It will be a paid subscription service above the free Bard chatbot
- The underlying AI model is reportedly Google’s new “Gemini Ultra” language model
- Features may include longer chat sessions, faster performance, and access to more content
- Google is soliciting public input to improve Bard, likely to benefit the Advanced version
Code analysis and leaked presentation slides indicate Bard Advanced could launch soon, potentially within weeks. Google originally aimed to launch Bard by the end of 2022, but delayed its rollout after an errant demo. With ChatGPT’s runaway success, Google is now expediting Bard to market.
The Race to Lead in AI
Bard Advanced positions Google to monetize its AI strengths and take on OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft, which recently invested billions in OpenAI.
ChatGPT has amassed over 100 million users since launching in November 2022. Its human-like conversational ability has captivated the public and enterprises. Microsoft also invested billions into OpenAI in 2019 and 2021, aiming to infuse Office and other products with advanced AI.
Google and Microsoft raced in 2022 to ready their own “ChatGPT killers” based on internal AI research. After initial mishaps, both tech giants are progressing rapidly:
| Company | Chatbot | Details | Launch timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bard | Launched bot in limited testing
Now readying paid “Bard Advanced” service backed by new Gemini Ultra LM |
Demo: December 2022
Bard Advanced: Expected by March 2023 |
|
| Microsoft | Sydney | Unveiled prototype in November 2022
Integrating GPT tech into Bing search engine and Edge browser |
Bing integration: Now testing, broad launch within months
Standalone Sydney app: TBD 2023 |
The market potential for conversational AI is vast. Google and Microsoft understand AI could permeate software and services globally in the years ahead, from productivity tools to enterprise systems. That explains their urgent pace of investment and product development.
Both tech giants believe clever integration of AI can differentiate their offerings amid intense competition. Google aims to keep users engaged with its services like search and Assistant, while Microsoft wants to drive adoption of Bing and Office.
What’s Next for Bard and Chatbots
In the near term, Google will likely flesh out details on Bard Advanced features and pricing, then progress to limited testing groups. Broader public access may come by March.
Looking ahead, users can expect rapid iteration on chatbots in 2023. Google, Microsoft and others will vie to fine-tune performance and expand capabilities. Key areas like accuracy, safety and creativity will remain works in progress.
Some analysts believe the hype around today’s chatbots will fade somewhat by late 2023. While conversational AI has proven very capable, technologists caution that full human-level intelligence remains years away. Managing user expectations through this fleeting “ChatGPT spring” period will determine which tech leaders ultimately dominate the AI landscape over the long-term.
So while products like Bard Advanced signal an AI-powered future, they represent very much the first wave. It will fall upon emerging startups and today’s tech titans to deliver on the true possibilities.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
