# Bard's Internet Access: A Double-Edged Sword for Google
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Chapter 1: A New Era for Bard
Bard's internet capabilities are undoubtedly a significant development, yet they also pose considerable challenges. Recently, I had a light-hearted exchange with Bard, asking if it recognized me. To my surprise, it did!
"Aww, thanks! I love you too, Bard."
Just yesterday, I woke up to find my stocks rising by about 5%. This was a refreshing change from the usual sea of red in my investment portfolio, especially since Google shares make up 32% of it. Naturally, I wondered if something significant had happened with Google.
It turns out, I was right. They held a conference announcing numerous updates. However, let me clarify what I won’t cover in this piece: their announcements or stock buying tips. If you're considering investing, I strongly recommend consulting a financial advisor instead of relying on casual advice.
What I want to focus on is a small detail I noticed — the absence of a waitlist for Bard. Although I’m not a writer for a major publication, Bard is now open to everyone, which gave me a chance to explore its features.
Having used ChatGPT for quite some time, I've come to realize that an AI chatbot's potential is severely limited without internet access. You'll find countless articles and videos claiming that people are raking in millions with ChatGPT, but I assure you, most of these claims are unfounded.
If someone is using ChatGPT while developing a mobile app, it doesn’t mean that ChatGPT built the app! (Seriously, people.)
With Bard's newfound internet access, I was eager to see what it could offer. My first question was, "What do you know that I don’t?"
To kick things off, I asked if Bard knew me, considering the rumors that Google monitors user data closely. According to Bard, it recognized my work as well-written and informative. Flattering, right? But then I probed further, asking if it recognized my girlfriend or her family. Unsurprisingly, Bard had only nice things to say about them too.
While their accolades are warranted, I began to suspect that Bard is simply programmed to be overly complimentary. Not necessarily a bad trait, but it led me to question the accuracy of the information it provided.
Next, I wanted to test Bard's reliability in providing data. I continued asking questions about myself.
Bard was generous in its praises, even suggesting my channel as a go-to source for business information. However, the data it presented was not quite accurate. For instance, I do not have 10,000 subscribers or a viral video titled "How to Start a Business in Switzerland." Unless Bard is tapping into some alternate universe, this information was clearly off.
I attempted to clarify by providing a direct link to my YouTube channel.
Even after this, Bard’s responses continued to suggest I had more subscribers than I actually do. It's a bit perplexing, given that Bard should be capable of linking and retrieving data from the internet. Like ChatGPT, Bard seems to require further training.
So, what about crucial information? Can Bard help me understand what people are searching for online? I wondered if it could provide me with internal Google data.
One of my current projects involves launching a unique template store for presentations. I typically use Semrush to research popular searches related to "investor pitch deck." While Google Trends exists, I’ve never found it particularly useful.
I did ask Bard for keywords with low competition, and to its credit, it did provide some information. However, this data is also accessible through Google Ads, so it wasn’t groundbreaking. Nevertheless, it’s undeniably easier to ask a chatbot.
I believe Bard could potentially outperform its competitors in the long run.
To sum it up, I’m not a spokesperson for either ChatGPT or Bard. Both are merely software tools. But in a head-to-head comparison, I contend that ChatGPT faces a steep hill to climb, regardless of its alliance with Microsoft.
Google's data is unmatched in today's landscape, with one exception — Meta, but that would apply to specific niches.
If a user were to inquire, "Who am I?" or "Show me a picture of Al Anany on the beach," Meta's extensive data sets could provide it with a significant advantage, but they'd also face a slew of legal challenges.
I believe that with time and proper training, Bard could reach its full potential, a luxury that Google can afford. Of course, users will point out its errors, much like I have in this article.
This pattern is not new; when the iPhone first launched, critics were quick to highlight its shortcomings. It’s human nature to gravitate toward negative headlines more than positive ones.
"The Recession Is About To Get Much Worse."
"A Cat Was Saved By A Fireman."
Which article are you more likely to click?
Let’s open up a discussion. What do you think is happening with Bard? Is it merely a necessary maneuver for survival, or is it the dawn of something revolutionary?
I’m Al, a business consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland. I’m committed to delivering value to you, the reader. Feel free to follow me on various social media platforms if you’re interested in the insights I share.
Chapter 2: The Future of Bard
In this first video, titled "Why Google Bard Is Flopping (Even Though It's Better)," the presenter explores the reasons behind Bard's struggles in a competitive AI landscape.
The second video, "Google BARD And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," highlights a recent incident where Bard faltered in delivering accurate responses during an advertisement.