Google's Bard, a collaborative AI tool, has been making waves since its launch less than two months ago. It started as an experiment that allowed users to interact with AI in new and creative ways, and the response from users has been largely positive. With its rapid evolution, Bard has been able to incorporate advanced math and reasoning skills, and even coding capabilities, making it one of the most versatile tools in the AI landscape today1.
While the introduction of new features and the expansion of Bard into more countries suggests a bright future for the product2, some observers have raised concerns about Google's track record with ambitious projects.
There's no denying that Google's history of terminating projects raises doubts about Bard's future. From Google Optimize to Google Cloud IoT Core, the tech giant has a long list of 285 services that it has killed off over the years3. This "Google Graveyard" has led many to wonder if Bard will eventually meet the same fate.
The nature of large organizations like Google can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, their resources allow for ambitious projects like Bard to be conceived and developed. On the other hand, the bureaucratic nature of large corporations often leads to slow decision-making processes and a lack of agility. This can negatively impact the usability of their products.
For example, Google's previous attempts at social networks, Google Plus and Google Buzz, faced criticism for their confusing user interfaces and lack of unique features. These projects were eventually terminated. The lessons from these experiences must be kept in mind as Google continues to develop and improve Bard.
One of the central themes of the HBO series "Silicon Valley" is the struggle of innovators against corporate giants. In one memorable scene, Hooli, the show's Google-esque tech behemoth, attempts to reverse engineer a rival's product. Despite having a team of skilled engineers and vast resources, the project falls behind schedule4. This fictional scenario echoes real concerns about Google's ability to deliver on its ambitious AI projects. The "behind schedule" scene from "Silicon Valley" serves as a humorous but pointed reminder of the potential pitfalls that Google's Bard could face in its developmental journey.
Despite these concerns, it's important to note that Bard is still in its early stages, and Google has demonstrated a commitment to its development and improvement. The recent updates, including the integration of Google Lens and new coding features, suggest that Google is serious about making Bard a long-term project567.
However, only time will tell if Bard can avoid the fate of its predecessors and become a lasting part of Google's product suite. Will Bard become another tombstone in the Google Graveyard or will it defy the odds and become a lasting success? That's a story still being written.
Yes, this was written with ChatGPT, I tried to use Bard but the result were subpar.
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