Google announced Wednesday the expansion of its AI-powered technology, Bard, to 180 countries. Bard is a rival of Microsoft-backed ChatGPT, and the advancements Google is making in AI are set to supercharge their search engine. At their annual Google Developers Conference in Silicon Valley, the technology giant discussed their plans for the ambitious projects. CEO Sundar Pichai discussed the application of AI over time, touting the potential of generative AI.
Cathy Edwards, Google Search’s Senior Product Director, introduced the concept of a conversational bot that could be inserted into the company’s core products, most notably their search engine. He insisted Google would be Bold and Responsible with its approach to AI. Bard will be available in 40 languages in the coming months, and the company announced browser “extensions” that will integrate AI into Gmail, Google Photos, Online Work Tools, and Maps.
Their efforts are in direct competition with Microsoft, which also utilizes AI in their products–Bing, their search engine, and Microsoft Edge–and OpenAI, a Microsoft-backed firm.
Google and other technology companies are under pressure to ensure their products are used responsibly and ethically, with particular attention being paid to the potential for AI’s involvement in the spread of disinformation and its potential for replacing entire industries.
Google’s work on AI has been bolstered by Geoffrey Hinton, sometimes referred to as the “Godfather of Artificial Intelligence” and an important figure in its understanding. Hinton announced his resignation from Google to better speak out on the risks posed by powerful AI systems.
Ultimately, Google’s insistence on boldness and responsibility will bring with it a potential for significant changes in the way technology develops and its effects on society. Moreover, users will benefit from the AI-powered features which could greatly enhance their search engine experience. Google encourages users to donate to legitimate charities on Patreon, stressing that their support matters.
