Google is expanding the role of Bard, its AI-powered chatbot, across its digital ecosystem, including Gmail, Maps, and YouTube, in response to competition from similar technologies by OpenAI and Microsoft.
This expansion is the latest development in an ongoing AI competition driven by the popularity of OpenAI's ChatGPT and Microsoft's integration of similar technology into Bing search and Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook.
By granting Bard access to personal information and popular services like Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube, Google aims to enhance their usefulness and encourage greater reliance on these platforms. For instance, Google envisions Bard assisting users in planning group trips, including finding suitable dates, suggesting flight and hotel options, providing Maps directions, and offering informative YouTube videos.
To address privacy concerns, Google is committed to protecting users' sensitive information. Human reviewers will not have access to potentially sensitive data obtained by Bard from Gmail or Drive. Google also assures users that this data will not be used as a primary revenue source, such as personalized ad targeting.
The decision to empower Bard with more capabilities comes amid a high-profile antitrust trial that could potentially impact Google's dominant position in the search engine market.
Comments