Google Assistant is the search engine tech giant’s answer to Siri that responds to “Hey Google!”
In case you missed it, “Google Assistant with Bard” is now in the works, which is set to underpin the assistant with Bard (i.e., Google’s AI-powered chatbot). And now, thanks to a new leak, we’re seeing some semblance of its existence.
‘Google Assistant with Bard’ demo found in Pixel Tips app
Since October, Google hasn’t said much about its plan to enhance its voice assistant with its powerful Bard artificial intelligence. However, we finally have a glimpse of how Assistant with Bard will work from a very unlikely source: the Pixels Tips app (h/t Android Police).
Spotted by an eagle-eyed X user, it looks like Android users will be getting a new native Bard app that will replace the Assistant app. The demo, which showed up in the Pixels Tips app that’s available to most Google Pixel phones, gives us the most complete look of what Assistant with Bard can do.
New ‘Assistant with Bard’ combines Google Assistant and Bard into one. Here’s what that looks like.
Demo shows what ‘Assistant with Bard’ can do with photos
For example, in the video, users can upload a picture of a plant with the instructions “I just bought this plant. Give me tips and YouTube videos to help me take care of it.” Bard will then follow up with videos and detailed tips on plant care.
This, by and large changes, the personal assistant experience previously on offer by the current Google Assistant. Google Assistant, as it stands now, primarily functions as a reactive tool, responding to direct queries and commands. However, the integration with Bard marks a shift towards a more proactive and contextual understanding.
It’ll also work in much the same way as the current Google Assistant, as Bard can also be accessed by saying “Hey Google” or long-pressing the home button.
We might even have a potential release date for the new personal assistant as well. According to a post from Android expert Mishaal Rahman, the source code in the Pixel Tips app shows a March 2024 date that’ll supposedly be timed with a planned Pixel feature drop.
Additionally, the video and tips about Assitant with Bard can’t be viewed on non-Tensor chip-powered Pixel devices. So if you own a Pixel Tablet or Fold, and are itching to see the video yourself, sorry.