For months, AI has dominated the news. Most recent conversations have centered on ChatGPT, a project created by OpenAI with support from Microsoft. A similar product called "Bard" has been unveiled by Google in direct response. Bard can converse with users and provide answers to their questions. We have compared Bard with ChatGPT to see their similarities and differences.

Similarities Between Bard and ChatGPT

Here are the similarities between Bard and ChatGPT:

1.  Large Language Models (LLM)

AI is nothing new. You are chatting with a type of artificial intelligence if you use voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. However, this is not the same with both Bard and ChatGPT.

These AIs are called "Large Language Models" (LLM) and have the ability to be "trained" to solve problems. Instead of writing code for each response, you can train your AI by providing it with a set of instructions, and some examples, and allow it to figure out the best answer on its own.

2.  Beta phase

Bard and ChatGPT are not the finished products, even though ChatGPT has been around for a little while longer.

Even though the models that power both chatbots have been developed and refined for years and are very effective, they are essentially going through a lengthy beta-testing phase. Therefore, if you use them, they will become "smarter" thanks to the conversations you have with them.

3.  Ability to code

Bard and ChatGPT are both capable of writing code in just about any language. Video games have been completely created using only ChatGPT's output.

Both programs can also be used to build the frameworks for more complex programs because they appear to have a decent understanding of coding. Theoretically, this could save human coders a great deal of time and work.

4.  Both are not always accurate

For LLM AI chatbots, accuracy remains a significant problem. This has also been noted by both products and companies. This is obvious through the disclaimer of Bard stating that the information the bot provides may be offensive and inaccurate.

There is also a disclaimer on ChatGPT stating that the bot may occasionally produce harmful instructions or biased content due to its limited knowledge of the world and events after 2021.

Differences Between Bard and ChatGPT

Here are the differences between Bard and ChatGPT:

1.  Bard is up to date while ChatGPT cuts off in 2021

Powered by Google, Bard has access to the internet and can gather information about ongoing and current events with the use of the search engine. A “google it” button comes with the answers provided. This allows users to immediately verify the response of the language model by doing a Google search.

On the other hand, the dataset for ChatGPT cuts off in September 2021. As a result, it cannot make comments on urgent news. With ChatGPT, you will have to search for the answers yourself if you want to validate its claim.

2.  Bard provides the source for its claims

Bard can back up its claims because it can “browse the internet.” The claims are always direct links to the sources. However, these may not always be accurate or great, they are better than what ChatGPT offers.

ChatGPT does not have access to the internet like Bard. As a result, the links it provides in some cases will be “dead”. The reason for this could be that the AI is inventing a link that seems convincing or the said page has been deleted between now and when it was entered into the data bank of ChatGPT.

3.  Bard has a waiting list while ChatGPT has a premium service

Accessing both language models can be tricky sometimes because they are still in the testing phase. Google Bard has a waiting list and more users can access the model as its stability and capacity increase. There is no way to pay for increased access or better service as it is completely free.

Unlike ChatGPT, Bard does not have a “premium” version. There is also the free version of ChatGPT which can be accessed most times. You can start chatting with the ChatGPT model in a couple of minutes after signing up with your phone number and email address.

4.  Bard’s messages appear while ChatGPT types its own

The approach Bard takes in providing answers is different from ChatGPT. Once it is “sent”, you get the entire message. You cannot get a preview beforehand.

However, you will see the response of ChatGPT on the screen when it is loading. You get to read some of the results because it is as if it is being typed in real-time.

Conclusion