Google Bard Gets a Big Upgrade: Image Generation, Global Expansion, and More
Google Bard, the company’s AI-powered chatbot, has undergone a significant transformation with a major update on February 1st. This update marks a crucial step in Bard’s evolution, adding image generation capabilities, global expansion, and enhanced language support. While the ability to produce image-to-image outputs is still absent, this update brings Bard closer to its competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft Copilot, which have already implemented similar features.
H2: Google Bard’s AI Image Generator: A Late but Powerful Addition
The highly anticipated feature, Bard’s AI image generator, is powered by the Imagen 2 model, the same technology that drives Google’s ImageFX and Vertex AI. This AI model can interpret complex prompts, even those spanning multiple paragraphs, and generate high-quality, photorealistic images. While our testing at Gadgets 360 confirmed the generator’s ability to produce images faithful to the prompts, they all adhere to a fixed resolution of 1536×1536, currently not adjustable. Furthermore, the images generated are not truly photorealistic, easily identifiable as digital creations in most scenarios.
To mitigate potential risks associated with deepfakes, the AI chatbot refuses to create images of real-life individuals. Google has further incorporated SynthID technology, a watermarking and detection tool developed by its DeepMind division, into the generated images. SynthID invisibly embeds a digital watermark into the image pixels, making it easily identifiable as AI-generated without compromising the image’s visual integrity.
H2: Bard’s Global Expansion: A Wider Reach for the AI Chatbot
Beyond image generation, Google has significantly expanded Bard’s reach. Now available in over 230 countries and territories across the globe, Bard has also expanded its language support to encompass over 40 languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu. This move aims to make Bard accessible to a broader audience, promoting inclusivity and enhancing its global reach.
The "double-check" feature, initially launched for English, now extends to all supported languages. This valuable tool helps users discern between AI-generated text supported by real-world references and those without any backing. By highlighting referenced sections and providing citations, Google aims to minimize the occurrences of AI hallucinations – confident responses that lack factual basis.
H2: A Glimpse into Bard’s Future – Gemini Ultra and Paid Subscription
In a separate announcement during its quarterly earnings call, Google revealed plans for "Google Bard Advanced", powered by its cutting-edge Gemini Ultra AI model. While details about this advanced version are still under wraps, Google confirmed that it will be available as a paid subscription, suggesting enhanced capabilities and exclusive features for paid users.
H2: Bard’s Evolution: From Promising Debut to Powerful AI Tool
Since its initial launch in February 2023, Google Bard has consistently evolved, incorporating new features and functionalities. This latest update, encompassing image generation, global expansion, and multilingual support, showcases Bard’s commitment to becoming a powerful and comprehensive AI tool. The integration of SynthID technology further emphasizes Google’s focus on responsible AI development, prioritizing transparency and minimizing potential misuse.
The addition of advanced AI models like Gemini Ultra and the introduction of a paid subscription tier signals Google’s ambition to challenge the status quo in the AI chatbot market. By introducing these new features and expanding its reach, Bard aims to position itself as a serious challenger to the current frontrunners, like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
The future of Bard is promising, with the potential to further revolutionize the way we interact with information and technology. As Google continues to refine and update Bard, it will be interesting to observe its evolution and the impact it has on the evolving landscape of AI-powered chatbots.
