ChatUI : Chatbots :: Transformers : GoBots

If you get the above reference, we can be friends.

ICYMI, Google released an updated version of Bard, which includes extensions (plugins) to Google Workspace, YouTube, Google Hotels & Flights, etc.

In the immortal words of Joe Biden, this is a BFD. It’s not just a big deal for Google; it’s a BFD for the future of interactions with Software and retrieving information. Product Managers, please pay attention.

Traditional information retrieval systems rely on structured data, where users must be precise (sometimes exact) with their search terms, tags, folders, etc. The only way to find the information you’re looking for is to input the predefined pathways to that information – the correct combination of folders, tags, filters, etc. This approach places an enormous burden on users to remember or anticipate the right pathway/inputs, leading to inefficiencies and frustration.

Have you ever endlessly searched for an email? Of course, you have. We all have. What if you could just ask BARD to track down an email for you? In the example below, I’ve asked Bard to locate the most recent receipts that I received.

Great, but I’m looking for a specific receipt, so I asked Bard only to show me receipts over $30.

ChatUI fundamentally changes how developers and designers must think about Software and User Interaction. Chat is the ultimate input device. It allows us to bend Software to our will without searching, memorizing formulas, shortcuts, or menu dropdowns. Our personal devices and software services will truly become our second brain. We’ll just chat with the computer and tell it to do what we need it to do. Imagine generating charts and pivot tables as quickly and easily as ordering from Chipotle. Burrito, White Rice, Black Beans, Chicken, Verde Salsa, Sour Cream, and lettuce with a side of guac and chips – in case you’re wondering.

I’m a nerd, but very excited about BARD’s new extensions and what’s to come. My prediction is that this fall, the Google Empire Strikes Back.

P.S. – I don’t want to tell Larry Page and Sergey Brin how to do their jobs, but y’all need a commercial to announce the release of these new features. How about this:

🎵 Upbeat 80s synthesizer music, transitioning into a catchy jingle. 🎵

“Drowning in your digital mail? Lost in your own inbox? Well, the future is HERE, and it’s RADICAL! Introducing… the NEW GMAIL 3000!”

“Lost that super important mail from Aunt Patty about her cat? No worries! With our bodacious SEMANTIC SEARCH, just type in ‘@GMAIL show me emails with images of Aunt Patty’s cat,’ and boom! There it is!”

“And hey, filters schmilters! With our new CHAT UI, just say the word, and GMAIL 3000 is on it. It’s like having a chat with your own futuristic robot!”

[Cut to a group of teenagers giving a thumbs up.]

Teen #1: “No more missing out on party invites for me!” 

Teen #2: “GMAIL 3000 is totally tubular!” 

Teen #3: “AI WHAT? I just know it’s wicked cool!”

🎤 “So say goodbye to the boring, old email blues and HELLO to the neon-lit, electric future with GMAIL 3000!”

🎵 The upbeat synthesizer jingle fades back in. 🎵

“GMAIL 3000! It’s like living in the future!”