Google Assistant Set to Become Bard Before Launch
Google is set to undergo a significant rebranding as it prepares to launch its revamped digital assistant later this year. Originally introduced as "Assistant with Bard" during the Pixel 8 event in October, the latest findings from 9to5google indicate that Google is leaning towards a simpler identity by dropping the "Assistant" tag altogether and opting for just "Bard."
A close examination of the Google app's latest version reveals notable changes. The greeting screen, once reading "Hi! I'm Assistant with Bard," now succinctly states, "Hi! I'm Bard." Moreover, references to "Assistant with Bard" across the app have been streamlined to just "Bard." This strategic shift, coupled with Google's reclassification of Bard as a standalone digital assistant rather than an extension of the existing Assistant, signals a deliberate rebranding effort ahead of its scheduled 2024 release.
The challenge, however, lies in the fact that Bard is currently labeled as an "experimental AI assistant," while Google Assistant has a well-established presence, continuously refined through updates. The recent removal of several prominent Assistant features is seen as a strategic move, possibly a precursor to the complete replacement of Assistant with Bard.
While Bard's current status suggests it may not initially match all the features offered by Google Assistant, there's a possibility that Google will pledge to incorporate many of them in the coming months. Bard's transition from an "experimental" status to a stable one will require time, but Google seems determined to make this rebranding endeavor successful.