Generative AI tool Bard in Arabic
Alphabet-owned Google has made a captivating move in the field of artificial intelligence by launching its groundbreaking generative AI platform called Bard in Arabic. This momentous occasion took place on July 13, and it brings with it a set of unique features tailored to address the specific needs of Arabic speakers. As Google competes with Microsoft-backed ChatGPT, the introduction of Bard in Arabic aims to outshine its rivals and cater to the diverse linguistic landscape of the Arab world.
During a press briefing held in Dubai, Google executives revealed that Bard is capable of comprehending questions posed in 16 Arabic colloquial dialects, including Egyptian, Saudi, and Emirati, among others. However, the responses provided by Bard will be delivered in classical Arabic, showcasing Google's commitment to linguistic precision. Najeeb Jarrar, the regional director of marketing at Google Mena, expressed his enthusiasm about Bard's availability across the Arab world, emphasizing that the platform's global launch will include support for 40 other languages.
In addition to linguistic versatility, Bard in Arabic introduces a user interface that seamlessly accommodates the language's right-to-left script, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience. Moreover, users have the extraordinary capability to input their questions to Bard in both Arabic and another language simultaneously within a single sentence, a sociolinguistic phenomenon known as code-switching. This innovation recognizes the dynamic nature of language usage, allowing users to integrate words "borrowed" from other languages that have been absorbed into Arabic for everyday conversations.
To cater to users with varying levels of proficiency in the Arabic language, Bard in Arabic also enables users to pose questions in English and receive responses in English. This groundbreaking feature further enhances the accessibility and usability of the platform.
Google dedicated a substantial team of engineers and linguistic experts to refine Bard's capabilities in the Arabic language. Their collaborative efforts aimed to ensure that Bard surpasses mere translation and truly aligns with the unique linguistic intricacies of Arabic. Marwa Khost, Google's communications manager for Mena, highlighted the dedication invested in creating a product that perfectly matches the requirements of Arabic language users.
Taking accessibility into account, Bard now offers a new feature that allows users to hear the responses out loud. By clicking on the sound icon, users can choose to listen to Bard's answers, enhancing the platform's usability for individuals with visual impairments or those who prefer an auditory experience.
The introduction of Bard in Arabic is part of a broader expansion of Google's generative AI tool, which was simultaneously launched in 43 other languages, including Chinese, German, Hindi, and Spanish. With this expansion, Bard aims to rival Microsoft-backed Bing and ChatGPT by entering 59 new geographies, including Europe and Brazil. As a result, Bard is now available in 46 languages and can be accessed in 239 countries and territories.
The growing adoption of AI technology holds immense potential for boosting global economic growth and increasing labor productivity, as highlighted in a report by Goldman Sachs. The report suggests that widespread AI implementation could lead to a 7% increase in annual global gross domestic product within a decade after at least half of all companies worldwide begin utilizing AI. Furthermore, the report estimates that AI adoption could raise global annual productivity growth by 1.4 percentage points over the same period, though its impact on emerging market economies may be delayed.
While the benefits of AI are promising, the report also indicates that generative AI could potentially automate the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs across major economies worldwide. This highlights the need for careful consideration and responsible implementation of AI technology.
Despite Bard's immense potential, Google has made it clear that their focus is currently on refining the platform and enhancing its accuracy. As of now, Bard in Arabic is available as a free-to-use beta version, with no immediate plans for monetization. Google encourages users to provide feedback on the quality and accuracy of Bard's responses, as this will be instrumental in driving improvements in the future.
Recognizing that large language models and generative AI still require human expertise to ensure optimal results, Mr. Jarrar emphasizes the need for oversight and acknowledges that mistakes may occur. However, he also highlights the remarkable advancements in AI technology over short periods, expressing confidence in the continuous improvement of accuracy as Bard evolves and adapts.
When considering the relatively limited Arabic content available online, Mr. Jarrar assures that Bard has the ability to source material from other languages and present it in the users' preferred language. He also notes the exponential growth and diversification of Arabic content in recent years, suggesting that Bard's access to information will not be hindered.
Regarding the frequency of updates, Mr. Jarrar explains that Bard will not be updated in real-time but will undergo regular updates to reflect recent information. This ensures that Bard remains relevant and up-to-date to some degree, incorporating events and developments from the recent past.
In light of the potential risks associated with AI technology, particularly malicious use, Mr. Jarrar emphasizes Google's commitment to responsible deployment. As a pioneering company in the online sphere, Google has developed robust tools over the years to detect and prevent abuse. This commitment to responsible AI deployment ensures that Bard and similar technologies are developed with the best interests of users and society at heart.
While the journey of Bard in Arabic is still in its experimental stage, Google's continuous dedication to refining the platform and expanding its capabilities promises a future where generative AI fosters unprecedented linguistic accessibility, interconnectivity, and innovation.