Google calls off the creation of its AI chatbot, Bubble Characters, which targets Gen Z users
Google reportedly scrapped its AI chatbot, Bubble Characters which was said to target Gen Z audience in human-like conversations.
Highlights
- The tech giant started to work on the Bubble Characters AI project from 2021
- Google has opted to 'deprioritise' this project as part of an internal reshuffle
Recently, Google had been tirelessly working on an AI-powered mobile chatbot software dubbed 'Bubble Characters' that featured interactive digital characters in an effort to cater to the tastes of Gen Z users. According to internal papers, this initiative was started in the fourth quarter of 2021 with the intention of giving the younger generation compelling and human-like conversations. But according to recent reports, Google has opted to 'deprioritise' this project as part of an internal reshuffle, thus putting a stop to further progress.
The talking digital characters featured in the Bubble Characters app could actively engage in conversations with Gen Z users. Its distinctive selling feature was its capacity to imitate human-level conversation, using advanced language models and datasets to provide natural and engaging interactions. As of now, Google declined to comment on the situation, but internal company documents reveal the app's intriguing potential.
Let’s look into the depth of Bubble Character chatbot
The app reportedly featured a cheerful, cartoon-like character who was skilled at conversing, following up with questions, and even giving relationship advice. Moreover, a mobile chatbot experience that resembled a conversation with a close friend or confidant was the goal of the app. Google's entry into this market demonstrates both its awareness of the growing significance of chatbot technology and its ambition to attract Gen Z consumers.
However, within the Assistant organisation at Google, responsible for developing virtual assistant applications and facilitating two-way conversations, the priority shifted to a rival project called Bard during the recent internal reorganisation.
Google shifted focus to Bard
After the most recent internal reshuffle, the focus switched to a competing project named Bard within the Google Assistant organisation, which is in charge of creating virtual assistant applications and enabling two-way interactions. This change in emphasis coincided with the departure of important executives.
In order to prepare for Bard's planned launch, certain members of the Bubble Characters team were consequently reassigned to work on Bard.
