Microsoft enhanced its Bing search engine on Wednesday with a new artificial intelligence (AI) function. The feature, known as Bing generative search, provides a snapshot containing the query’s information. Similar to Google’s AI Overviews, which were made available to the public in the US in May, is this capability. Bing’s AI-driven search function additionally displays the original source of the article. The capability is presently being provided for a tiny fraction of inquiries, according to the business, most likely to prevent the AI hallucinations that AI Overviews experienced.

Features of Bing’s Generative Search

“Today, we’re excited to share an early view of our new generative search experience which is currently shipping to a small percentage of user queries,” Microsoft Bing wrote in a blog post announcing the feature. The functionality is an expansion of the business’s February 2023 introduction of AI-powered conversation responses on Bing.

The new capability was developed using the company’s large and small language models (SLMs and LLMs), however the specific AI models employed were not disclosed by the company. Microsoft explained how the system works by pointing out that the AI can comprehend the search query contextually and then sift through millions of sources of data to find the appropriate content. It then utilizes the information to produce pertinent search results.

Bing’s generative search bears a striking visual resemblance to Google’s AI Overviews. It can be found at the top of the Bing search results page, inside a grey box. The information snapshot includes source citations, a document index for quick access to the appropriate part, and a headline. When needed, the AI also includes tables, movies, and photos.

AI-generated responses

Users may now get AI-generated results on the redesigned Bing Search page, mostly near the top. Large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs) that have examined millions of sources have been used to create these responses.

According to Microsoft, these models will respond to customer inquiries in a precise and thorough manner.

Bing Search’s advanced search experience

The enhanced features of LLMs and SLMs will be smoothly combined with the classic Bing results in this new search experience. These models will be able to comprehend the search query, find content that matches, evaluate data, and produce a personalized response that successfully satisfies the user’s goal.

To maintain openness and allow for more investigation, users will find the sources that were used to produce the AI-generated replies listed. For individuals who would rather use a traditional search interface, traditional search results will continue to be displayed in a sidebar on the right.

Addressing issues with involvement and accuracy

Concerns over accuracy have been raised by the introduction of AI into search results; this was evident in Google’s early rollout, which ran into problems with “hallucination” and mistakes.

Microsoft declares that it is dedicated to providing accurate information while acknowledging these difficulties. The possible effects on reading and internet traffic are likewise known to the corporation. It states that clickable links in AI-generated responses will foster a thriving web ecosystem, and that the new generative search experience would maintain engagement levels comparable to traditional search results.

This input will be essential for improving the AI-powered search functions and making sure they successfully satisfy consumers’ demands.

Getting Used to the New Search Environment

Experts are debating the possible effects of Bing’s AI integration on massive eCommerce companies like Amazon. Some people believe there is a serious threat to Amazon’s hegemony, while others are less optimistic.

Some are optimistic that Bing would draw users looking for quick fixes rather than doing in-depth browsing if it can present search results in a more user-friendly and effective manner. This might establish Bing as a formidable rival in the retail industry, giving customers a respectable substitute for well-established industry leaders.