Signs of a Paid Future:
Developer Bedros Pamboukian unearthed hidden clues within the Bard website's code, suggesting a three-month "free trial" offer for Bard Advanced. This phraseology implies that continued access would require a paid subscription, marking a shift from the current free version of Bard.
Link to Google One?
Pamboukian further discovered a link within Bard's code pointing to Google One, the company's subscription service. While the link is currently defunct, it sparks speculation that Bard Advanced could be either bundled with a Google One subscription or offered as a separate paid add-on.
Powered by Gemini Ultra:
These developments align with the announcement of Google's powerful Gemini AI models. Bard and Bard Advanced are expected to be powered by Gemini Pro and Gemini Ultra, respectively. Given its "advanced math and reasoning skills" mentioned in the trial offer, Bard Advanced appears to capitalize on the capabilities of the top-tier Gemini Ultra model.
What it Means for Users:
For those seeking enhanced AI power beyond the capabilities of the free Bard, Bard Advanced represents a promising advancement. However, the potential paywall introduces a new dynamic for Google's AI offerings. While the free tiers of Bard and other AI chatbots have democratized access to AI technology, Bard Advanced sets a precedent for premium, paid access to more advanced features.
Questions Remain:
- Pricing: The exact cost of Bard Advanced remains unknown. Will it be bundled with Google One at a premium price, or offered as a separate subscription?
- Feature Differentiation: How will Bard Advanced's capabilities differ from the free Bard tier? What specific functionalities will justify the potential subscription fee?
- Impact on the AI Landscape: Will Google's move towards paid AI services be mirrored by other companies? Could this usher in a new era of tiered AI accessibility?
Early 2024 holds the key to these questions. As Bard Advanced prepares to grace the stage, the AI landscape is ready to witness a potential shift in accessibility and monetization. Whether Google's premium AI gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the possibilities for advanced AI applications are poised to expand but with potential limitations of cost and accessibility.
Bard vs. Bard Advanced: Potential Feature Comparison
| Feature | Bard | Bard Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Underlying AI Model | Gemini Pro | Gemini Ultra |
| Cost | Free | Potentially paid after trial (subscription or Google One integration) |
| Capabilities | General-purpose large language model, proficient in text generation, translation, writing different creative formats, and answering questions | Enhanced abilities in complex tasks like advanced math, reasoning, and scientific research |
| Accuracy and Factuality | Strives for accuracy and relies on fact-checked data, but limitations exist with complex or emerging topics | Potentially higher accuracy and fact-checking capabilities due to advanced model |
| Creativity and Originality | Generates novel content within trained parameters | Potentially increased ability to generate unique and original ideas beyond existing data patterns |
| Customization and Control | Limited user control over output style and format | Potentially more fine-grained control over output parameters and customization options |
| Target Audience | Broad user base seeking general AI assistance | Users requiring advanced AI capabilities for professional or research purposes |
| Accessibility | Open to all users | Potentially limited access due to paid subscription model |
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