Google shifts focus to Bard A.I. technology in restructuring of virtual assistant unit
Google is making changes to its virtual assistant unit, Assistant, with a focus on its new artificial intelligence chat technology, Bard. In a memo sent to employees on Wednesday, Sissie Hsiao, vice president and lead of Google Assistant’s business unit, announced changes to the organization that indicate a shift towards prioritizing Bard. Hsiao noted that the team is focusing on executing opportunities that would make a significant impact on users.
Google Assistant is an AI-powered virtual assistant software application and language-processing software similar to Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. It is primarily used on mobile and home devices, such as its Pixel smartphone and Nest smart speakers and devices, as well as in smart watches, smart displays, TVs, and vehicles through the Android Auto platform. The company has hinted at the possibility of using it as a search product, but recent developments suggest that the focus has shifted to the development of Bard.
Bard is a new AI chat technology that Google has been developing. It is designed to enable users to have natural, open-ended conversations with the virtual assistant, making it more similar to a human interaction. The technology uses advanced machine learning and natural language processing algorithms to enable Assistant to understand and respond to a wider range of queries and commands.
Google’s move to prioritize Bard is part of the company’s larger strategy to enhance its virtual assistant capabilities and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The company is investing heavily in research and development to improve its AI technologies, and has been acquiring smaller AI companies to bolster its expertise in the field. By focusing on Bard, Google is aiming to develop a virtual assistant that can offer a more natural and intuitive experience to users, making it easier to use and more engaging.
Google has not commented on the reshuffle of its virtual assistant unit or the changes to the organization’s reporting structure. However, the move is likely to be seen as a significant step forward in the development of the company’s AI capabilities and a sign of its commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.