As we mentioned in a previous publication, Google is preparing to present this year more than 20 projects related to artificial intelligence.
One of these projects will be "Apprentice Bard", which according to with a publication of CNBC, is a chatbot that can provide answers to questions asked using natural language.
The Apprentice Bard uses Google's chat technology called Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA), which is similar to the GPT language model on which ChatGPT is based.
A limitation of ChatGPT is its insufficient knowledge of world events after 2021. However, the Apprentice Bard can answer questions about recent events, such as the recent layoffs at Google that resulted in 12.000 workers losing their jobs. When asked if there will be another round of layoffs within Google soon, the Apprentice Bard replied:
“According to my access to the database, it is unlikely that Google will have another round of layoffs in 2023. Layoffs are generally done to reduce costs and structure, but the company is doing well financially. In fact, the income της Google αυξήθηκαν κατά 34% το 2021 και η τιμή της μετοχής της εταιρείας αυξήθηκε κατά 70% από τον Ιανουάριο του 2022”.
In addition, Google is supposedly testing an alternative version of its home page, where the button “I feel lucky” is replaced with prompts for possible questions. It's something similar to ChatGPT's home page, listing bot question ideas. The CNBC post further elaborates:
When a question is entered, the search results will display a gray bubble just below the search bar, offering more answers. Just below that, the page suggests several follow-up questions related to the first one. Below that, it will display typical search results.
A Google spokesperson called artificial intelligence a "fundamental and transformative technology that is incredibly useful for individuals, businesses and communities."
The company is currently testing the AI technology internally to make sure it's useful and safe. It remains to be seen how AI will transform Google's current and future products-services.
