Google Bard vs Google Search: Differences between both AI-powered platforms explained

At Google I/O 2023, Google introduced a new Search feature that uses AI to provide more helpful responses to users’ queries, in a bid to keep up with Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing. Additionally, Google unveiled significant updates to its AI-powered personal assistant, Google Bard Now. Here are major differences explained between both the AI advancements. 

Google believes that despite the rise of AI-powered chatbots, Google Search remains the top platform for finding and obtaining information. Whether it’s shopping for a particular product or conducting research on a specific topic, Google Search should be the first choice for users.

In contrast, Google Bard is built on the company’s latest language and conversation capabilities, powered by the Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA). Google Bard can provide a range of responses to the same or similar prompts and questions, and users can ask Bard to generate new responses if they want different ones. Therefore, Google Bard is suitable for more creative endeavors, such as generating code for a program or adding captions to photos.

The American technology giant has revealed plans to introduce generative AI capabilities to its Search platform, potentially transforming the way users interact with the search engine. This new functionality promises to allow users to grasp complex topics more quickly and discover deeper insights. Rather than breaking down longer questions into smaller parts, users will be able to ask multi-part questions with various options. Additionally, the updated Search will provide suggested steps and allow users to ask follow-up questions. The integration of Google’s Shopping Graph, which boasts over 35 billion product listings, will also make shopping and purchasing more streamlined for users.

Moreover, Google is introducing its new generative AI-powered Search as an experimental feature in Search Labs, named Search Generative Experience (SGE). Initially, SGE will be accessible via Chrome Desktop and the Android and iOS apps in the US, and Google will use user feedback to enhance the platform. Users can enroll in Search Labs from May 11, and SGE access will be activated in a few weeks’ time.