Google Bard extensions are finally here, allowing the AI assistant to integrate directly with Google’s suite of services. While extensions are currently limited to Google’s own apps, they enable some incredibly useful capabilities.
Bard can now automatically pull relevant information from tools like Google Flights, Hotels, Maps, YouTube, and Google Workspace. This makes planning activities like travel much smoother without ever leaving the Bard conversation.
Moreover, a standout feature is the guarantee that none of your personal data from Gmail, Docs, and Drive is utilized to train the model or viewed by human reviewers.
Let’s dive in to enabling extensions in Bard and some of the cool things you can do by linking these Google services.
How to Activate Extensions on Google Bard:
- Start by launching Google Bard, either on your computer or smartphone.
- A pop-up introducing Bard Extensions should promptly grace your screen. Click on “Next” to proceed.
- Now, click on “Show me more” to explore the Google Bard extensions further.
- Click on “Continue” to dismiss the information panels.
- Finally, seal the integration process by clicking on “Connect,” thereby linking Bard with your Google Workspace account.
- And there you have it! All Google services, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, YouTube, Maps, etc., will be linked to Bard. Keep in mind, your personal data is not used to train Google Bard.
- If you want to disable Extensions on Google Bard, move to this page (visit) and turn off all the toggles one by one.
How to Use The Google Bard Extensions
Now that you’ve successfully linked your Google account to Bard and granted it access to a spectrum of companion services, let’s dive into some practical examples of how to make the most of this newfound synergy:
- First, I asked Bard to find me the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Malindi using the Google Flights extension.
- I continued the conversation and asked Google Bard to find me an affordable stay in Malindi.
- Bard automatically used the Google Hotels extension for the said date and showed results.
- After that, it created an itinerary using Google Maps right inside of Bard.
You can also manually specify which extension to use for a particular task by typing “@” followed by the name, like @YouTube or @Google Flights. This allows precise control when you want Bard accessing a certain service.
While still early, the Google Bard extensions showcase the immense potential of an AI assistant that can interact directly with popular internet services. It’s a glimpse at the future of streamlined digital experiences powered by AI.
Even with just Google’s tools linked currently, Bard can handle multifaceted requests easier than ever. The extensions are impressively capable for an initial release.
