- Google upgraded Bard chatbot with new Gemini AI model to boost reasoning and language skills.
- Rollout has two phases: Gemini Pro now, then more advanced Gemini Ultra next year.
- Google hopes infusion of next-gen AI makes Bard more competitive with ChatGPT.
Gemini = New LLM
Google has significantly upgraded its AI chatbot Bard by integrating Gemini, its newest large language model.
With improved reasoning and language understanding over previous versions, Google hopes the changes will help Bard better compete with ChatGPT and other generative AI services.
Two Phases!
The upgrade rollout has two phases. Initially, Bard gains Gemini Pro, a customized version of one of three Gemini model sizes. Next year, Bard Advanced will incorporate Gemini Ultra for even more advanced capabilities.
While not best-in-class yet, Gemini Pro outperformed the year-old GPT-3.5 in 6 out of 8 AI benchmarks, especially on tasks requiring reasoning.
The subsequent Gemini Ultra further enhances multimodal understanding across text, images, audio, video and code.
Bard Chatbot in 170+ Countries to start
The initial upgrade launches in English across 170+ countries, with more languages and regions following soon. After additional safety checks, Bard Advanced debuts in 2024, starting with a trusted tester program.
Google hopes the major infusion of next-generation AI will significantly improve Bard’s ability to understand, summarize, reason and respond.
While framed as a catch-up performance to date, the tech giant aims to lead the space eventually.
