Microsoft has announced a new version of its search engine Bing, which includes the latest in artificial intelligence.
The overhaul deploys OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology, which has taken the world by storm since its launch last year.
The move is the biggest threat Google has ever seen to its dominance in web search — and it marks the start of an AI arms race between the companies.
“The race starts today,” said Microsoft boss Satya Nadella.
Developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, ChatGPT uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like responses to search queries.
Mr. Nadella said he thinks it’s poised to change the nature of online searches — and interactions with many other software.
“This technology will reshape every software category we know,” he said.
Bing will now respond to search queries with more detailed answers – not just links to websites.
Users can also chat with the bot to better tailor their queries. More relevant answers will be added to the right side of the search page.
The new Bing search engine will go live immediately – with a limited number of searches per person.
The announcement comes a day after Google revealed details of its new chatbot Bard.
Both companies are scrambling to bring their products to market.
In a note to investors after the announcement, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said he believed Microsoft’s investment would “massively boost” the firm’s ability to compete.
“This is the first step on the AI front … because [the] AI arms race is between Big Tech,” he said.
Microsoft, an early backer of San Francisco-based OpenAI, is investing billions in artificial intelligence.
Last month it announced it was expanding its collaboration with OpenAI in a “multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment.”
It has since announced a new premium tier of Microsoft Teams — its messaging software — that will feature ChatGPT, including a feature that automatically generates meeting notes and highlights. she does.
Bing will use OpenAI technology, which is more advanced than the ChatGPT technology introduced last year, Microsoft said. The option will also be added to its Edge web browser.
Analysts say chat GPT – which students use to pass tests and exams – has the potential to be incredibly disruptive to a number of professions, including journalism.
But it has been criticized for confidently giving answers that are wrong. It also works on datasets that are typically deleted by 2021 or earlier – so many of its answers may feel out of date.
