“AI will fundamentally change every software category, starting with the largest category of all – search,” stated Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Today, we’re launching Bing and Edge powered by AI co-pilot and chat, to help people get more from search and the web.”
Since the launch of ChatGPT on the web in November 2022, interest in AI-powered text generation has skyrocketed, leading Microsoft, which has a close partnership with ChatGPT creator OpenAI, to integrate the technology into its suite of office software. Microsoft has upgraded its search engine Bing, to use the same AI technology that underpins chatbot ChatGPT to bring a new, enhanced version of Bing.
The upgrade promises to bring new AI-enhanced features for its Edge browser, which will work together to provide a more immersive and personalised experience for browsing the web and finding information online.
In demonstrations, Microsoft executive, Yusuf Medhi unveiled “the new Bing”, in action with various examples. One demonstration shows traditional search results side by side with indexed AI annotations and another mode that allows users to talk directly to the Bing chatbot, like ChatGPT’s interface. The new Bing can retrieve current news and events, unlike ChatGPT, which has a knowledge cut-off of 2021.
Some of the scenarios that were demonstrated included asking for recipes, travel advice, and furniture shopping. In one demonstration, the chatbot was asked to plan a 5-day trip to Mexico City. It delivered a comprehensive itinerary, complete with links to supplementary information sources, impressing those in attendance.
A ‘limited preview’ of the new Bing is live today for desktop users to try. However, currently, users are limited to asking pre-set queries and receiving the same answers. A waitlist is also available for those who wish to gain full access in the future. Try the new Bing here.
Along with the new Bing search engine, Microsoft is introducing two new AI-powered features for its Edge browser: “Chat” and “Compose.” These features will be integrated into the Edge browser’s sidebar. “Chat” will provide users with a summary of the webpage or document and allow them to ask questions about the content. “Compose” serves as a writing assistant that generates text, including emails and social media posts, based on initial prompts.