What is Bard: Introducing the Latest Google AI Experiment

Conversational AI has immense potential to make computing and information more accessible. Google has been exploring this potential for some time now, and in 2021, it unveiled LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications), a conversational AI model that can engage in fluid, multi-turn dialogue. Last year, Google also launched the AI Test Kitchen, which provides hands-on experience and feedback on LaMDA.

Bard is an experiment based on the same technology as LaMDA, which allows users to collaborate with generative AI. As a creative and useful collaborator, Bard can enhance your imagination, improve productivity, and help bring ideas to life. Whether it's planning a birthday party or making a pro & con list for a significant decision, or understanding complicated subjects, Bard can assist with a wide range of tasks.

For those who are interested in the technical aspects, LaMDA is a Transformer-based model, which is a machine learning breakthrough invented by Google in 2017. The language model "reads" trillions of words, allowing it to recognize patterns that make up human language, and predict possible responses accurately.

Is Bard Safe and Accurate?

Bard is still experimental, and while most of its responses are accurate, some may not be. Thus, it's essential to double-check information provided by Bard. Thousands of testers provided feedback to help Bard improve its quality, safety, and accuracy before it was launched publicly. With ongoing feedback, Bard is improving every day.

Despite the built-in safety controls and feedback mechanisms in line with Google's AI Principles, Bard may still display inaccurate information or offensive statements. While generative AI has the potential to speed up the process of creating ideas, it's still in the early stages of development, and Bard is just an experiment.

How and When Does Bard Cite Sources?

Bard is intended to generate original content and not replicate existing content at length. Google has designed the system to limit the likelihood of this occurrence and will continue to enhance its functionality. If Bard directly quotes a webpage, it cites that page.

Bard is designed to be a creative and useful collaborator, especially when it comes to creative tasks like drafting emails or brainstorming ideas for a birthday party. Google sees Bard as a complementary experience to Google Search, and hence, the "Google It" button has been added to Bard to allow people to easily move from Bard to explore information from across the web.


Bard is still experimental, and its launch provides an opportunity for Google to learn, iterate and improve the experience as it receives feedback from various stakeholders such as publishers, creators, and users like you.

Can Bard Help with Coding?

Bard is still learning to code, so it cannot assist with coding yet. Currently, responses about coding are not officially supported.

Why Doesn't Bard Remember the Conversation?

For now, Bard's ability to hold context during longer conversations is limited. As it continues to learn, its ability to hold context will improve.

Who Can Use Bard?

To use Bard, you need to have a personal Google Account that you manage yourself. Managed accounts by parents, guardians, or Google Workspace admins are not allowed. Additionally, you must be over 18 years old, and Bard may not be available in your country yet. You must join the waitlist before you can start using it.

How Many Languages Does Bard Support?

Bard is currently only available in US English, but Google is working to make Bard available in as many languages as possible.