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Google Assistant Levels Up: Meet the AI-Powered Bard Integration

May 17, 2024

Introduction

Google Assistant is stepping up its game by integrating with Bard, Google's generative AI technology. Announced at the recent Made by Google live event, this new version of Google Assistant is designed to be more intelligent and versatile than ever. The upgrade allows the Assistant to handle a wider array of tasks, from simple commands like setting alarms to more complex queries that require personalized responses.

What's New?

The most significant change is the Assistant's ability to interact with your Google apps like Gmail and Google Drive. For instance, you can now ask Google Assistant to summarize important emails you've missed during the week. This feature is an extension of Bard's capabilities, which were updated in mid-September to integrate with Google's suite of apps, including Gmail, Docs, Drive, Maps, YouTube, and even Google Flights and hotels through "Bard extensions."

User Experience

If you've already given Bard permission to access your Gmail, Drive, and Docs, you won't need to do it again for the Assistant. This seamless transition makes it easier for users to get personalized assistance for tasks like trip planning, grocery list creation, or even crafting social media captions.

Multimodal Interactions

Bard's integration brings a multimodal experience to Google Assistant. You can interact with it through voice commands, typing, or even by using your camera. This opens up creative use-cases, like taking pictures of your clothes and asking Bard for styling advice.

Safety Measures

One noteworthy feature is Bard's ability to double-check answers to mitigate the risk of AI-generated misinformation. This is particularly important as AI systems continue to evolve and are prone to generating incorrect or misleading information.

Availability

Google plans to roll out Assistant with Bard in a phased manner, starting with a limited set of markets. The company is yet to announce which languages and markets will be the first to experience this update.

Conclusion

The integration of Bard into Google Assistant marks a significant leap in the capabilities of Google's digital assistant. It not only makes the Assistant more intelligent but also more personalized and versatile, setting the stage for a new era of AI-powered personal assistance.

FAQ

What is Bard?

Bard is a generative AI technology developed by Google. It has the ability to integrate with various Google apps and services to offer more personalized and intelligent responses.

How do I give Bard permission to access my Google apps?

If you've already opted into Bard extensions, you won't need to give permission again. New users will need to opt-in to allow Bard to access their Google apps.

Is the new Google Assistant with Bard available worldwide?

No, Google plans to introduce this feature in a limited set of markets initially. The company has not yet disclosed which markets or languages will be the first to receive this update.

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