Bard AI is a conversational generative AI chatbot created by Google. It was initially released for testing on March 21, 2023, and was eventually released to the public on May 10, 2023. Similarly to ChatGPT, Bard AI can also generate different types of content.
Due to its immense capabilities, many people have been wondering if the AI chatbot will eventually replace Google Search. Well, from what we can see, it is unlikely that Google Bard will outrightly replace Google Search in the near future due to the following reasons:
Understanding Bard’s Core Capabilities
A Conversational AI
Bard AI, powered by Google’s large language model (LLM), is designed to engage in dialogue applications and answer queries in a conversational manner. Unlike traditional search engines, Bard AI focuses on providing direct responses to prompts rather than linking to various web pages.
Comparison with Google Search
While Bard AI is an impressive tech innovation in the field of artificial intelligence, it does not possess the capabilities to replace Google Search. Here’s why:
Lack of Indexing and Page Ranking
Google Search relies on extensive indexing and page ranking algorithms to provide search results from the vast expanse of the internet. Bard AI, on the other hand, does not have access to this massive indexing system, limiting its ability to link to authoritative pages on the web.
Different User Experience
Bard AI offers a more interactive and personalized experience, allowing users to engage in a dialogue with the bot. Google Search, in contrast, provides a list of links and snippets related to the search query.
Integration with Other Services
While Bard AI can be integrated with various services like Google Assistant, it does not have the same level of integrations that Google Search offers with other internet services and platforms.
GPT-4 and Other Bots
Bard AI is part of a growing trend of conversational bots, including OpenAI’s GPT-4, Lambda, and others. These bots are designed to draft responses, answer questions, and engage users in conversation, but they are not intended to replace traditional search engines.
Demo and Availability
Google has provided a demo for users to experience how Chatbot Bard works. This allows users to understand its capabilities and how it differs from traditional search engines.
Complementary, Not a Replacement
Bard AI’s core capabilities lie in its ability to engage users in conversation and provide direct answers to queries. While it represents a significant advancement in AI technology, it does not have the features required to replace Google Search. Instead, Bard AI complements existing search technologies by offering a different, more interactive way to access information.
Understanding the Distinct Nature of Bard AI and Google Search
Google Search: A Comprehensive Search Engine
Google Search is a renowned search engine that utilizes complex algorithms to index and rank web pages. It provides users with links to various sources on the internet, catering to a wide array of topics. Google’s search engine is accessible through browsers on desktops, smartphones, and other devices, delivering real-time search results.
Integration with Other Search Engines
Google Search operates in a competitive landscape with other search engines like Microsoft’s Bing. These search engines function similarly, crawling the web to provide relevant information based on user queries.
Bard AI: A Conversational Chatbot
Bard AI, on the other hand, is a conversational AI chatbot developed by Google. Unlike traditional search engines, Bard focuses on engaging users in dialogue and providing direct answers.
Powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT
Bard AI leverages OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to understand and respond to user queries. It’s designed to provide more personalized and interactive experiences.
Guardrails and Accuracy
Bard AI comes with built-in guardrails to prevent inappropriate or false information. If a factual error is detected, the system can correct it, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and reliable.
Accessibility through Google Account
Access to Bard AI requires a Google account, and it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with other Google services.
Complementary Services, Not Competitors
While both Bard AI and Google Search are products of Google, they serve different purposes and are designed to function as separate services. Google Search continues to be a go-to tool for broad internet searches, while Bard AI offers a more interactive and conversational approach to information retrieval.
The two are not in competition, but rather complement each other, providing users with diverse ways to access and engage with information.
Limitations
As a language model, Bard has limitations in accuracy and factual reliability that make it currently unsuitable to fully replace Google search.
Risks
Given the vital role Google Search plays, replacing it entirely with an unproven AI chatbot would carry considerable risks for Google’s business, reputation, and users who rely on it.
Hybrid Approach
In the short term, it’s more likely Google will use Bard to augment Google Search with more conversational, summarized answers. But Google Search would still do the core information retrieval from the web.
Gradual Scaling
Bard may slowly take on more search-like functionality over time, but full replacement of Google Search would require extensive testing, iteration, and oversight to avoid critical failures.
User Trust
People tend to have more trust in Google Search’s reliability than in a new AI like Bard. Building such a level of trust in Bard will take time.
Conclusion
While Bard may gradually augment parts of Google Search with its conversational strengths, Google will definitely take a very cautious approach before fully integrating Bard AI with its cornerstone product, Google Search.
But an outright replacement of Google Search by Bard AI seems highly improbable.
