Conversational AI vs. Generative AI: Key Differences

Currently, this is a recurring topic, and the words conversational AI and generative AI are frequently heard. But, are they the same? Or are they two entirely different concepts?

Although they may seem similar at first glance, each hides unique secrets and possibilities. A closer look reveals two tools with distinct purposes and applications, albeit complementary.

What is Conversational AI?

Conversational Artificial Intelligence is a technology that enables computers to simulate conversations with humans. In other words, it focuses on interacting and engaging in natural conversations with users.

This technology relies on a combination of natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and base models to understand user intentions and generate natural and relevant responses.

But how does all this work? Through the following steps:

1. User Input: The user interacts with conversational AI through text, voice, or even gestures.
2. Natural Language Processing: NLP is used to analyze the user input, understand its meaning, and extract crucial information.
3. Machine Learning: ML is used to enhance the conversational AI’s ability to understand and respond to user inputs over time.
4. Base Models: Base models are large pre-trained datasets used to improve the accuracy and fluency of conversational AI responses.
5. Response: The AI generates a natural and meaningful response to the user input.

Examples of Conversational AI

– Chatbots: Chatbots are computer programs that use conversational AI to simulate a conversation with users. They are employed to provide customer support, answer questions, schedule appointments, and much more like the artificial intelligence chatbot we offer at Indigitall.
– Virtual Assistants: Virtual assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, use conversational AI to understand user requests and perform tasks like playing music, setting alarms, and making phone calls.
– Automatic Translation: Automatic translation uses conversational AI to translate text from one language to another.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI is a branch of AI that focuses on creating original content from existing data. It’s like an artist who, after observing many works of art, can create new and original ones. It works using the following techniques:

– Machine Learning: A model is trained with a large dataset, such as texts or images. The model learns patterns and relationships among the elements of the set.
– Generative Neural Networks: These networks use the knowledge acquired from machine learning to create new data that follows the same patterns and relationships as the original set.

Differences Between Generative AI and Conversational AI

Conversational AI and Generative AI are two branches of artificial intelligence that use natural language processing (NLP) to interact with humans. While there are certain similarities between them, it cannot be ignored that they also present significant distinctions:

Objective

– Conversational AI: Its intention is to interact and engage in conversations with users. Platforms include customer service systems, chatbots, and virtual assistants.
– Generative AI: Its primary goal is the production of new and original content. This includes generating texts, images, music, and other formats.

Approach

– Conversational AI: Seeks to understand natural language and user intentions to provide relevant and personalized responses.
– Generative AI: Focuses on learning patterns and structures from large datasets to create new content that is similar to existing ones.

Technology

– Conversational AI: Relies on language models trained with large amounts of dialogues and conversations.
– Generative AI: Relies on deep learning models trained with large amounts of data of the type of content that is desired to be generated.

Although conversational AI and generative AI may appear similar at first glance, each has its own set of skills and applications. Conversational AI is excellent for interacting with customers and providing efficient customer service, while generative AI shines in creating new and unique content.

Both are powerful tools in the world of artificial intelligence and can work together to create incredible experiences for users.

The future of AI is bright, and conversational AI and generative AI will be at the forefront. Together, they have the potential to change the world as we know it.

If you want to learn more about how generative AI can improve customer service, we invite you to read this article.

Indigitall is a great example of how these technologies can be used to transform a business. At Indigitall, we offer a platform for the Customer Journey and omnichannel strategy, allowing companies to create personalized experiences with digital channels and artificial intelligence.

Would you like to learn more about how Indigitall can help you harness the power of AI? Contact us today.