Google recently introduced an AI chatbot called Bard to compete with ChatGPT. While not publicly available yet, you can join a waitlist for early access. In this guide, I‘ll walk you through everything involved in signing up for Google‘s highly anticipated Bard AI chatbot and answer your most pressing questions!
An Introduction to Bard: Google‘s Conversational AI
Before jumping into the signup process, let‘s quickly discuss what makes Bard special.
Bard is Google‘s take on large language models – AIs trained on vast data that can generate human-like text and dialogue. Specifically, Bard uses LaMDA, the technology behind some existing Google features.
According to Google, Bard aims to provide helpful, high-quality responses by:
- Pulling information from the web as it converses
- Admitting mistakes instead of guessing
- Citing trustworthy sources for facts
- Having sensible dialogues that stay on topic
Early demos indicate Bard can chat about a wide range of subjects, write poetry, explain concepts, and more. It represents a major advancement in conversational AI.
Google is counting on Bard to keep pace with Microsoft and OpenAI in this rapidly evolving space. Access is currently limited, but waitlist signups offer a chance to try Bard soon!
Checking Bard‘s Availability: Here‘s When You Might Gain Access
I know you‘re eager to start chatting with Google‘s intelligent assistant. So when can you realistically expect to gain access to Bard? Let‘s check the latest availability details.
| Launch Date | February 6, 2023 (limited preview) |
|---|---|
| Countries | Currently only USA |
| Access | Restricted testing, waitlist open |
| Pricing | Free for now |
| Platforms | Web, Google mobile app |
As you can see, Bard is still in an early testing period with access tightly controlled. Google has stated they plan to scale over time, but have not provided a firm timeline.
Wider release will likely occur incrementally over months based on Bard‘s progress and capacity. Signing up now gets you on the notification list as an early candidate.
My best estimate based on hints from Google is that Bard will:
- Reach a general beta phase by mid-2023
- Fully launch toward late 2023 or early 2024
Until then, the waitlist is your best option for getting potential priority access sooner. Securing a spot now is key while availability remains limited during this exclusive preview stage.
Joining the Waitlist: Your Place in Line for Bard Access
Alright, let‘s get you signed up! Joining the Bard waitlist takes just a minute:
- Go to the waitlist page at https://bard.google.com
- Click "Get notified"
- Enter your email address
- Check your inbox and confirm your signup
That‘s it! Google will now notify you by email if a spot opens up.
A few waitlist tips:
- Joining sooner rather than later is better to get early priority.
- Referring friends may help once Bard launches more, since Google will likely allow invites.
- Multiple signups won‘t improve your place in line. I know you‘re excited, but patience is key!
While a waitlist spot is not guaranteed access yet, it gets your foot in the door for this exclusive opportunity.
Setting Expectations: What to Expect During Signup
Wondering what happens after you join the waitlist and finally get that coveted access email from Google? Here are some things you can expect during the Bard signup process:
Email confirmation – You‘ll need to validate your waitlist email via a confirmation link. This ensures you‘re a real person.
Identity verification – Google will likely require identity proofing beyond just an email. We‘ll cover methods next.
Account creation – You‘ll need to create a Google account if you don‘t already have one.
Onboarding – Google will provide introductory information explaining how to use Bard.
Limited access – Early testers probably won‘t get full functionality or unlimited usage.
NDA – You may need to agree to a non-disclosure agreement to use the exclusive early version.
Google understandably wants a controlled and secure signup process during this pre-release period. Expect limitations as they test Bard‘s capabilities and readiness.
Creating Your Gateway: Setting Up a Google Account
Once you get a Bard access invite, having a Google account will be essential. If you already use Gmail, Google Drive, etc., then you can simply use those existing credentials.
If not, creating a free Google account is quick:
- Go to https://accounts.google.com/signup.
- Enter your name and username.
- Provide your phone number for verification.
- Choose a strong password.
- Confirm you‘re not a robot.
- Accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
- Verify your number with the code Google sends.
With a Google account tied to your access invite, you‘ll be ready to start using Bard! This account also lets you conveniently access other Google offerings in one place going forward.
Validating Your Identity: Extra Verification for Bard
For increased security with an exclusive new product like Bard, Google will likely require identity confirmation beyond just creating an account before granting full access.
Some potential methods Google might use include:
- Phone verification – Entering a code sent to your mobile number
- Email verification – Clicking a special link emailed to you
- Photo ID – Uploading a scan of a document like a driver‘s license
- Credit card info – Providing full or partial card details
- Security keys – Physical keys that connect to your device
- 2SV – Having two-step verification enabled on your Google account
The specific proofing approach will depend on Google‘s thresholds for reliability and user volumes. Early exclusive access may warrant more rigorous checks.
While providing personal information gives some pause, Google needs to authenticate you as a real person and secure the AI experience. Once successfully verified, you‘ll be cleared to start interacting with Bard!
Chatting with Bard: Tips to Prepare for Your First Conversation
Once accepted from the waitlist, verified, and signed into your Google account, you‘ll finally get to have your first conversation with Bard!
Here are some tips to make the most of this early access:
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Carefully read any onboarding instructions from Google.
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Start with basic questions and prompts at first.
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Ask Bard to explain its reasoning when you‘re unsure of an answer.
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Don‘t be afraid to go off topic – test its conversational abilities!
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Fact check anything questionable using other sources.
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Provide candid feedback on your interactions if Google asks.
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Respect any usage limits enforced during this trial period.
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Have fun exploring this exclusive opportunity to engage with leading-edge AI!
Google wants constructive input, so give thoughtful reactions. But most importantly, enjoy this chance to shape the development of a potentially transformative technology!
Anticipating Broader Release: When Bard May Open to All
I‘m sure like me, you‘re looking forward to when Bard becomes widely available to the public. Unfortunately, Google has not set an official timeline yet.
They‘ve only broadly hinted that open access will start in the "coming weeks." Reading between the lines, some possible timeframes include:
- Early public beta testing by mid-2023
- Gradual expanded access through late 2023
- Full public debut in early 2024
The pace will depend on Google‘s confidence in managing harmful content, server capacity, competition, and more. Slow and steady preparation is likely better than a rushed release that backfires.
While broad access may still take months, joining the waitlist now gives you a chance to shortcut the line and try Bard sooner during this exclusive preview window!
Alternative AI Chatbots to Try While You Wait
Waiting eagerly for access can feel frustrating, I know! In the meantime, there are a few other AI chatbots you can try out:
| Chatbot | Highlights | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Very impressive quality. Can feel almost human! | Free with some usage limits |
| Clara | Focuses on helpfulness and safety. | Waitlist required |
| Character.ai | For conversing with characters and entertainment. | Freemium model – limited free access |
| You.com | Search engine with an AI assistant named You. | Limited beta access |
| Bing Chat | Microsoft‘s AI chatbot. Built into Bing search. | Limited preview access |
Experimenting with other chatbots can satisfy your AI curiosity while awaiting Bard access. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses compared to Google‘s offering.
Staying on top of the latest Bard updates while using alternative AIs for now is a great way to spend this waiting period!
Let‘s Chat Soon with Bard!
Whew, we covered a lot of ground! Here are the key takeaways:
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Bard is Google‘s exciting new AI chatbot currently in limited testing
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You can join the waitlist for a chance to gain early access as it expands
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Once accepted, you‘ll need to create a Google account and have your identity verified
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Chatting with Bard will provide valuable input to improve the AI system
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While general release may take months, waitlist signups offer possible priority preview access
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In the meantime, try other chatbots to get your AI fix!
I hope this guide got you fully up to speed on signing up for Google‘s highly anticipated entry into advanced conversational AI. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to help so we can chat with Bard together soon.
