Google has unveiled new features for Bard, including the integration of Gemini Pro and the introduction of image generation. These updates aim to enhance Bard’s capabilities across languages and regions, offering users more advanced functionalities.
Gemini Pro Global Availability
Following its introduction in English last December, Gemini Pro is now available in Bard across more than 40 languages and over 230 countries and territories.
Notably, independent evaluations have recognized Bard with Gemini Pro as a standout chatbot, showcasing remarkable advancements in understanding, reasoning, summarizing, and coding abilities.
Expanded Double-Check Feature
Google is expanding the double-check feature, already popular in English, to over 40 languages. Users can click on the “G” icon, allowing Bard to evaluate its response by cross-referencing web content.
This feature enables users to explore supporting or contradicting information found by Search.
Creative Image Generation
Bard now offers image generation in English worldwide, using the updated Imagen 2 model. Users can input descriptions, and Bard will create custom, high-quality visuals.
This creative feature is designed to balance quality and speed, providing photorealistic outputs. Google emphasizes responsibility in image generation, incorporating digitally identifiable watermarks and safety measures.
Responsible AI Principles
In alignment with Google’s AI Principles, Bard’s image generation incorporates responsible design. To distinguish between Bard-created visuals and human artwork, SynthID embeds identifiable watermarks into generated images.
Google noted that it maintains technical guardrails to prevent violent, offensive, or explicit content, applying filters to avoid generating images of named individuals.
Google also added that its continuous investments in safety and privacy protections are part of Google’s commitment to user security.
Announcing the updates, Jack Krawczyk, Product Lead, Bard, said:
These updates transform Bard into an even more valuable and globally accessible AI collaborator, catering to a wide range of needs, from significant creative projects to everyday tasks.