Google’s Bard AI chatbot has received notable updates and features to enhance its functionality and accessibility.
Spoken responses
One of the significant additions is the ability for Bard to provide spoken responses. This means that users can now hear the chatbot’s answers instead of just reading them. This feature can be particularly helpful in scenarios where users want to learn the correct pronunciation of a word, listen to a poem or script, or simply prefer an auditory response.
By entering a prompt and selecting the sound icon, users can engage with Bard’s spoken answers. This feature supports over 40 languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users globally.
Image prompts
Another noteworthy enhancement is the inclusion of image prompts. Google demonstrated this feature during its I/O conference, showcasing how users can incorporate images into their inquiries.
For example, users can seek assistance in coming up with a witty caption for a picture of two dogs. While initially available only in English, Google plans to expand this feature to additional languages in the near future. By integrating images into prompts, Bard becomes more versatile in its responses and can provide tailored information or suggestions based on visual cues.
Personalize and share conversations
Alongside these updates, Google has introduced several other features to enhance the overall user experience with Bard. Users now have the option to pin and rename conversations, allowing them to easily organize and retrieve specific chat threads.
Additionally, sharing responses with friends is now possible, enabling users to pass along helpful information or engage in collaborative discussions. Furthermore, users can customize the tone and style of the responses they receive from Bard, making interactions with the chatbot more personalized and aligned with individual preferences.
Accessibility
Regarding accessibility, Google has expanded Bard’s availability beyond its initial launch in the United States and the United Kingdom. The chatbot is now accessible in various regions, including all countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Brazil.
This expansion represents a significant milestone, as the launch in the EU was previously delayed due to privacy concerns. By expanding Bard’s reach, Google aims to make its AI chatbot more widely accessible and beneficial to users across different countries and cultures.
Summary
Overall, the updates to Bard, including spoken responses, image prompts, and additional features, aim to provide users with a more immersive and personalized chatbot experience.
By leveraging these new capabilities, users can engage with Bard in different ways, obtain information through auditory channels, incorporate visuals into their queries, and tailor their interactions to suit individual preferences.