On September 19, 2023, Google performed a significant update to Bard , its generative AI.

Bard utilizes deep learning models and large-scale training data to generate text that can be used for various applications, including natural language conversations. This update further enhances its advanced text generation capabilities and broad applicability.

As of October 2023, Bard is still in a trial phase in Japan but is already a highly useful service. In this article, we will provide an overview of Bard, compare it with another generative AI, ChatGPT, and explain in detail the updates made to Bard on September 19, 2023.

What is Google Bard?

Google Bard is an interactive AI system developed by Google AI. It can engage in natural language conversations and generate responses to user questions.

Google Bard is based on LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications), a large-scale language model developed by Google. LaMDA is trained on vast datasets of text and code, allowing it to understand and generate natural language.

Google Bard can be used for various purposes, such as answering questions, generating text, and translating languages. As of October 2023, it is in a trial phase but is available for free to anyone with a Google account.

Here are key features of Google Bard. 

• Ability to engage in natural language conversations
• Ability to generate responses to user questions
• Versatility in various applications

While often compared to another generative AI, ChatGPT, there are notable differences. ChatGPT has a paid version, whereas Bard is free. ChatGPT focuses on conversation, while Bard incorporates search information. Additionally, ChatGPT is developed by OpenAI with investment from Microsoft, making it easily integrated into Microsoft services. Conversely, Bard is operated by Google and integrates with Google services like Google Docs and Gmail.

New Features in the September 2023 Update

The major update to Bard on September 19, 2023, introduced the following features.

• Introduction of a more feature-rich latest model of Bard
• Ability to double-check Bard’s responses using ‘Google Search v2’
• Enhanced ability to expand shared conversations
• Additional features available in all supported languages

Excerpt from the latest trial version updates (Bard)

Introduction of a New Language Model

The new language model ‘PaLM 2,’ developed by Google AI, has been introduced. PaLM 2 is trained on extensive datasets of text and code, enabling Bard to understand more complex language and respond to a broader range of questions and requests.

Additionally, the update has made Bard more intuitive and responsive, improving creative collaboration, expanding to over 40 languages, providing detailed coding support, and learning new topics based on diverse perspectives.

Moreover, Bard’s understanding of Japanese grammar and expressions has deepened, allowing it to generate more natural Japanese text. This improved understanding of Japanese nuances and expressions enables Bard to provide higher quality responses.

Rechecking Answers Using ‘Google Search v2’

With the new ‘Google Search v2’ feature, users can recheck Bard’s answers through Google Search, ensuring more accurate information. Traditional generative AI responses often lacked sources or had questionable credibility. This feature allows users to perform related searches and verify the information themselves, obtaining more reliable data.

As shown in the image above, a ‘Google Search’ icon appears at the bottom of Bard’s responses. Clicking it will display ‘Search Related Topics.’

However, as of October 2023, not all answers will have the ‘Google Search’ icon. Depending on the question, users might need to manually search for related information.

Expanding Shared Conversations

Users can now share and extend previous conversations. If you wish to continue using a specific thread, you can name and pin the conversation. This makes it easier to refer back to conversation history.

You can also easily share by creating a public link from the share option at the bottom of the response.

Additional Features Now Available

Additional features include the ability to upload images via Google Lens and the introduction of Bard Extensions (a feature that connects to Google apps and services) in English. With Bard Extensions, you can search and display information across Google-related tools such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Maps, and YouTube.

For example, when planning a trip to Okinawa, you often compare multiple tools and sources. Bard can help by selecting convenient dates from Gmail, searching for real-time flight and hotel information, checking directions to the airport on Google Maps, and watching YouTube videos of things to do at your destination—all within the same conversation.

Source: Bard Upgraded to a High-Performance Model (Google Japan Blog)

Another improvement is Bard’s ability to provide image-based answers. For topics better understood through visuals, like ‘trend hats,’ Bard will proactively include images without needing a specific request.

You can now request Bard’s responses to be rewritten in five different formats: shorter, longer, simpler, more casual, or more professional. This allows you to receive information with the desired level of detail and tone.

Challenges of Bard

Despite the enhanced features introduced in the September 2023 update, Bard still faces challenges inherent to generative AI. Notable differences have been observed between Bard and ChatGPT, which are worth highlighting.

For questions that are difficult to answer or have no definitive answers, such as general inquiries or medical issues, Bard generally does not provide responses. This approach aligns with Google’s emphasis on information credibility and user experience, but it can also be seen as unhelpful since it doesn’t offer advice on how to obtain relevant or accurate information.

When the same questions are posed to ChatGPT, it provides a detailed response, including considerations and suggestions for appropriate consultation. However, these answers may contain inaccuracies, so users need to independently verify the information to ensure its accuracy.

However, both Bard and ChatGPT will provide responses to generally known topics. For instance, questions about space will yield detailed answers with specific numbers, acknowledging the uncertainties involved.

The difference in Bard’s responses appears to be based on a comprehensive assessment of information accuracy, sensitivity, and the potential risks of spreading the information, reflecting Google’s consistent approach as seen in its search results.

As of 2024, when SGE (Search Generative Experience) is expected to transition from trial to full implementation, Bard’s current response strategy is likely to influence SEO as well.

Summary

SEO Consultant: The generative AI ‘Bard’ introduced several new features and improvements through a major update. The most notable feature is ‘Google Search v2,’ which allows users to verify Bard’s answers through Google Search, thus providing more accurate information. Additionally, users can now upload images via Google Lens and search for information across Google tools like Gmail and Google Docs using Bard Extensions. Bard also allows customization of response styles to adjust the granularity of information. However, challenges specific to generative AI remain, as Bard maintains its policy of not answering certain questions, such as medical issues. Compared to ChatGPT, Bard takes a more cautious approach regarding information credibility and sensitive content. The major update to Bard focuses on improving user experience and enhancing information accuracy.

Author Profile

International Web Consultant Paveena Suphawet

A trilingual professional in English, Thai, and Japanese, she has numerous achievements in international SEO. She studied the latest IT technologies at Assumption International University, Thailand, and majored in International Business at the University of Greenwich, UK. Following her tenure at ExxonMobil’s Thai branch, she became a key member of Admano from its establishment.

Return to the top of Japan SEO