Google is reshuffling its virtual assistant unit to prioritize its artificial intelligence chatbot, Bard. The changes include the departure of Jianchang “JC” Mao, Vice President of Engineering for Google Assistant, and his replacement by Peeyush Ranjan. The reshuffle indicates that Google may integrate Bard into future products, and executives have hinted that it could be used as a search product.
Google Prioritizes AI Chatbot Bard Over Virtual Assistant in Reshuffling
Google is making changes to its virtual assistant unit to prioritize its artificial intelligence chat technology Bard. The changes, announced in a memo to employees, see Jianchang “JC” Mao, who served as Vice President of Engineering for Google Assistant, leaving the company for personal reasons. Mao had reported directly to Sissie Hsiao, Vice President and lead of Google Assistant’s business unit, who confirmed that Mao had helped shape the Assistant that exists today. In Mao’s place, Peeyush Ranjan, a 16-year Google veteran, will take over. Ranjan was previously Vice President of Google’s commerce organization, overseeing payments. The reshuffle indicates that Google is prioritizing Bard, which is an AI-powered virtual assistant similar to Siri and Alexa, and may integrate it into future products. Executives have hinted that Bard could be used as a search product, though the company has played down that possibility to employees.
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