My Experience Beta-testing: Google Bard
March 22, 2025 | By: Zayne Harbison
If you have ever used a chat-bot, you probably know that they are a pain. Over the course of the last two years, they have improved greatly. We have gone from a basic text interface to a fully integrated platform. The idea was to share information. What many did not realize was that information uses a portal. This is my experience with the beta program at Google AI.
As you can see in the image listed above, the interface has changed greatly. What you see here is the app interface. The beta program was operated through a web browser. It was much different than what we see today.
Most of my initial questions were silly jokes about how Bard compared to Siri or Alexa. It was humorous! I eventually got over myself and started putting in the work. I would perform complex mathematical equations. I tried reverse image search. I even asked deep philosophical questions to see what kind of creative responses I could get.
Math
I used to be great at math! I could do just about any equation in my head. After several years of being out of school, not so much. This led me to wonder how Bard could teach me math. Were there simpler solutions to the complex equations in my head? Absolutely! I would ask it to define a solution is thoroughly as possible with as many possible outcomes as it could. I was not disappointed.
Explanations
When prompted, the chat involved imagery and problem solving to provide an educational response to a complex question. Whether it was simple addition and multiplication or complex fractions and irrational numbers, I was able to find answers to very important questions. This is extremely helpful from an educational standpoint. Being able to find truth in the answers may seem like a cheat, but it also covers ground that was once considered no man’s land.
Rationale
As a student, I found this very helpful. I often ask my teachers if there is another way for me to solve a problem that is giving me a headache just to be told that I need to stick to the books. The thing is, books are written. Writing is sloppy. There’s no way around it. Without a team of scholars, writing is just that.
Religion
As a former Mormon priest, I found it very insightful to be able to ask philosophical and spiritual questions that I would not normally be able to converse about with my peers. Instead of bouncing around potential half-answers to deep questions, I knew that I was not being manipulated or lied to. I was simply receiving potential answers to my questions. I could seek information from around the world at the press of a button. This is something that you cannot do alone from any Temple. Very useful!
Graphic Design
While most are using image generation to short-leg their graphical work, I prefer to take the layman’s approach. I simply prompt the chat for advice or information regarding my current piece. Whether it is a website, a painting, or a concept piece, I can ask for simple ideas regarding my own preferences. If I want to draw with my right hand, I can speed up my work. If I want to try some ambidextrous drawing, then I can suggest that information as an important part of my work. It provides me with the opportunity to work outside the box!
If you found this information useful, be sure to let me know wherever you are logged in. You can find me on most social media, and you can even comment here on Medium! Be sure to check out my reading list titled "Beta-testing" and learn more about my programming experiences. Thank you for reading!
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