The future is here, and it’s conversational. Artificial intelligence, once relegated to the realm of science fiction, is now a reality in our daily lives. Within the last six months or so, a lot has materialized in the realm of AI. From personal assistants to customer service representatives, AI has found its voice through chatbots and is now accessible to us all (albeit the premium version can cost extra).
At this moment, among the pioneering chatbot technologies is Google’s “Bard,” a generative AI model that’s been making waves in the tech world. Another one is, of course, ChatGPT in its fourth iteration. But if you’re unfamiliar with these developments, don’t worry, we’re here to bring you up to speed.
A new wave of consumer-facing chatbots, powered by generative technology, has recently emerged. Companies big and small have jumped on this AI bandwagon, either offering their chatbots for free or at a price for more advanced versions that can generate better “human reasoning”, mathematical skills, and more. Among these is Google’s Bard, a direct competitor to the well-known OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Microsoft has also launched a search engine AI tool supplementing their Bing search engine. Google is also doing the same with SGE, or Search Generative Experience. More is to come, surely.
Generative chatbots are just the beginning. The underlying technology, driven by artificial neurons and complex algorithms, can do much more, from drawing pictures to understanding human emotions. Just imagine what we would have if this technology is paired with the ability to see (a camera), feel (sensors), and talk (speakers). We would have something like the AI general intelligence in Iron Man amidst us.
So, are you eager to experience Bard? This guide will not only show you how to use it but also share a secret: you can unblock Bard and access it from anywhere in the world using a virtual private network (VPN) – ssh! (just kidding, it is mostly legal to use a VPN!).
Google Bard utilizes advanced large language models (LLMs) such as “laMDA” and “PaLM2,” to “generate” its replies to user prompts. These models help generate conversational responses, enabling users to interact with Bard in a multitude of ways – from asking complex questions to summarizing URLs, and everything in between. It’s like having a virtual assistant, but more advanced and intuitive. And, the great thing is that chatbots like Bard learn with every input and get “smarter”!
However, there’s a catch and it may not be what you think. Bard’s availability (to use the tool) is geographically limited to specific countries and areas, including Canada, EU member states, and China, among others. There are several countries where it is simply not accessible. But fret not, we have a solution – a VPN.
Now, let’s look at how you can unblock Bard with a VPN network security tool no matter if you are on a business trip, holidaying somewhere, or have gone to visit your grandparents in another country!
What Is a VPN?
Using a VPN, you can bypass geographic limitations by masking your IP address, making it appear as if you’re in a different location. This way, you can access Bard from anywhere in the world, unrestricted.
First of all, let’s dig into IP addresses and how they connect with a VPN for you to see the big picture!
Imagine you’re at a gathering where everyone is wearing name tags. These name tags don’t just have your name on them, but also your address. That’s a bit like how the internet works. When you connect to the internet, your device is assigned an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a unique numerical label, like that name tag at that imaginary gathering. An IP helps identify your device and its location, allowing data to find its way to you. The hardware version of this would be a MAC Address, for example, which all devices must have by law.
So, now, let’s say you don’t want everyone there to know where you live (to know your address). What do you do? You borrow someone else’s name tag! This is essentially what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) does.
A VPN masks your IP address by routing your internet connection through a server located in another part of the world. It’s like swapping your name tag for one with a different address on it. So, if you’re in a country where Google Bard is restricted, a VPN can make it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from a place where Bard is accessible! This way, you’ve “tricked” the mechanism!
Important Note: Make sure to check the laws in your country/area to see if VPN usage is banned!
So, moving on, to start, you’ll need to subscribe to a reliable VPN which offers robust encryption and high speeds. You do this via a VPN vendor’s website first. Then, you will be prompted to install it on your device (almost all devices are supported), connect to a server in an unrestricted area (like the United States), and voila – you’re ready to converse with Bard.
You should see a green light or some sort of “connected” confirmation in your VPN app that tells you that your internet connection is now protected and your IP address has taken on another form.
To ensure perfect privacy and cybersecurity and make the most of your VPN app, make sure to check out the options and settings. Every VPN vendor will compete with proprietary distinguishing features encryption protocols, but all of them will have a “killswitch” and “auto connect’ which you should enable right away.
Just remember, while it’s thrilling to engage with advanced AI like Bard, it’s essential to maintain your privacy. To do this, avoid sharing sensitive or personal information with the chatbot. This especially applies to personally-identifying information or company secrets like intellectual property and always review the privacy policy of the service provider. Happy chatting!
