Google’s AI chatbot Bard went official earlier this year, joining the ranks of Bing Chat and ChatGPT. However, Bard wasn’t the only AI chatbot that the search engine giant had planned, as new information reveals that the company was actually working on something that would have better suited the younger generation but later decided to cancel it altogether.
An AI chatbot for Gen Z does sound like a nightmare but Google canceled it before it could materialize
According to information obtained by CNBC, Google actually had plans on releasing an AI-powered chatbot called Bubble Characters, and the app was supposed to target Gen Z. The information found in the internal document reveals how the app was called Bubble Characters and would allow the users to choose a character that they could chat with. Google was working on the app since Q4 2021, but newly revealed information reveals how it is no longer a priority for the company as several team members working on this app were moved to Bard.
Based on the information provided by the source, Bubble Characters was supposed to offer conversations that interest the younger generation. Sadly, we don’t know much about the app, and we cannot confirm whether the chatbot was able to converse in a style similar to what the younger generation prefers or would have used for topics that they prefer. However, the outlet does claim that the app was able to ask follow-up questions and even offered relationship advice for those who sought it. I cannot imagine living in a world where an AI chatbot is used for such advice.
While it is sad to see that we are never going to get our hands on Google’s Gen-Z-oriented app, I do think about how it would have turned out, to be honest. The app does sound like it could have made waves for the younger generation, but it also makes sense as to why the company would cancel it in the first place. I mean, one would never want too much conversation with someone who is only going to be able to speak in a certain way or give input on topics most adults would not even require.
It is worth noting that the app is not currently a priority, and considering that, Google might have a change of heart, and we might end up getting Bubble Characters out in the open sometime in the future, but for now, we cannot really say much about the app as there is very little information available.