In the realm of AI chatbots, Google Bard and ChatGPT stand out as two of the most prominent contenders in 2023. But determining which one is better requires a closer examination. Both chatbots excel at providing natural language responses to natural language inputs, leveraging the power of machine learning and vast datasets to craft informative and helpful replies. However, it’s worth noting that these AI tools are not flawless yet, although they offer a glimpse into an exciting future where AI assistants revolutionize information access and learning.
While there are notable similarities between these chatbots, they also exhibit distinct differences. Let’s delve into the comparison between ChatGPT and Google Bard. Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene last year, it has been primarily Google playing catch up to ChatGPT. However, Bard has recently been generating some interest. In the battle of Google Bard versus ChatGPT, which AI chatbot reigns supreme?
ChatGPT as the FrontrunnerÂ
ChatGPT was the frontrunner, and to this day, it remains the go-to option for those keen on experimenting with AI-generated text. One of its key advantages is its free availability, which contributed to its widespread popularity right from the start.
On the other hand, Google Bard is gradually rolling out to users exclusively in the U.S. and U.K. A waitlist is in place, although certain groups have easy access to the front of the line. Google One members and Pixel Superfan group members automatically receive access upon signing up. However, for others, gaining access may require some patience until Google expands its availability.
It’s worth mentioning that ChatGPT Plus is also an option, providing access to additional features for a monthly fee of $20. Notably, subscribers of ChatGPT Plus can access GPT-4, which is OpenAI’s more advanced large language model. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented GPT-4 in Bing Chat, allowing users to access it through that platform.
Google Bard vs. ChatGPT: what sets them apart?
While both ChatGPT and Google Bard are natural language AI chatbots, their intended usage and functionalities differ slightly. ChatGPT has primarily been employed for answering direct questions with mostly accurate responses. However, it has also garnered attention and raised concerns among white-collar professionals, such as writers, SEO advisors, and copy editors, due to its creative writing capabilities, despite occasional issues with accuracy and plagiarism.
Microsoft has integrated ChatGPT into various applications, including its Bing search engine, allowing users to ask direct questions to the search engine rather than relying solely on keywords for optimal results. Moreover, ChatGPT has found its way into Microsoft Teams, Edge, and almost every Microsoft Office application. Even the Opera browser has announced plans to integrate ChatGPT in the future.
Notably, ChatGPT’s potential extends beyond being a standalone chatbot. It serves as a prime example of how other applications can tap into its capabilities through its API and eventually enhance its functionalities via ChatGPT Plugins.
In contrast, Google Bard, for now, stands as an independent tool. Although there may be future integration with Google Search, the current focus is on its separate existence and not integration with other applications. In the future, we might witness integration with the Chrome browser and its Chromium derivatives. Google also plans to open Google Bard to third-party developers down the line.
The most significant distinction between the two lies in the underlying technology. Google Bard utilizes Google’s proprietary LaMDA language model, while ChatGPT relies on its own GPT-3.5 model. ChatGPT draws from slightly older data, with its current GPT3 model restricted to data collected before 2022. On the other hand, Google Bard is built on more recent data. However, the use of newer data doesn’t necessarily guarantee superior accuracy, as Google Bard has faced challenges with incorrect answers, even during its initial unveiling.
Interestingly, Google CEO Sundar Pichai referred to Bard as a “souped-up Civic” compared to ChatGPT. There have been reports suggesting that Bard was partially trained using ChatGPT’s answers, although Google has denied this claim.
Google Bard vs. ChatGPT: a closer look at Features
Both tools offer fairly basic functionality, primarily centered around an empty search box. Users can access previous chats and edit them to regenerate responses using both Google Bard and ChatGPT.
However, there are a few minor differences in their feature sets. Google Bard allows users to provide prompts using voice input through the device’s microphone, enabling a convenient hands-free experience. It also offers a handy “Google it” button, which provides in-line links for further research outside of Bard. Another notable feature of Bard is the inclusion of “drafts.” Each time a user enters a prompt and initiates a conversation with Bard, it presents different response drafts, allowing users to choose the most suitable option. Additionally, Bard conveniently displays previous prompts in the “Bard activity” section, providing details and the option to delete them from history. Users can also disable activity storage by Bard.
Final Thoughts
Both Google Bard and ChatGPT are powerful AI chatbots that have made significant contributions to the field. They each possess unique strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different purposes and user preferences.
ChatGPT has gained widespread accessibility and popularity due to its availability for anyone to try out for free. Its integration into various applications, including Microsoft’s Bing search engine, Teams, Edge, and Microsoft Office, has solidified its position as a versatile and widely adopted chatbot. The ability to ask direct questions to the search engine and its potential for further integration into other platforms like the Opera browser makes it a convenient choice for those seeking a seamless and integrated AI chatbot experience. Furthermore, the introduction of ChatGPT Plus, with its advanced features and access to GPT-4, provides added value for users willing to subscribe to the service.
On the other hand, Google Bard is gradually making its way to users, with a focus on a slow roll-out to users in the U.S. and U.K. exclusively. While its availability is currently limited, Google Bard holds promise with its reliance on Google’s LaMDA language model. LaMDA’s capabilities offer potential advancements in generating more nuanced and context-aware responses. Although Bard is currently a stand-alone tool, there are expectations for future integration into the Chrome browser and potential openings for third-party developers. As Google continues to refine and expand Bard’s capabilities, we can anticipate further enhancements and a broader reach.
Ultimately, the choice between Google Bard and ChatGPT comes down to individual needs and specific use cases. Some users may prefer the established accessibility and integration options provided by ChatGPT, while others may be intrigued by the potential of Google Bard and its utilization of the LaMDA language model. It is essential to consider factors such as availability, integration possibilities, and desired functionalities when deciding which AI chatbot best suits one’s requirements. As the AI chatbot landscape evolves, users can expect an ever-expanding range of choices and possibilities to meet their unique needs in the realm of AI-powered conversational interfaces.
