If 2022 was all about NFTs and Web3.0, then 2023 is shaping up to be the year of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, and it seems Microsoft is taking the fight to Google with its new AI-powered Bing search engine.
Of course, A.I. isn’t anything new, as various services like Jasper have popped into the public consciousness over the past few years, but what really catapulted AI into the mainstream is undoubtedly the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT (Generative Pre-Training Transformer), a chatbot that can answer queries using natural language in a conversational style.
Recognising the power of AI, Microsoft seems to be taking the lead by incorporating a more advanced version of ChatGPT into its latest iteration of the Bing search engine. It’s been decades since Google launched and went on to dominate search, owning more than 95% of the global market, but will the new AI-powered Bing finally be able to turn the tables?
The AI-powered Bing works by returning actual answers to questions in a conversational style instead of just spitting out relevant links to websites like all search engines, including Google, have done in the past. For example, if you ask Bing for “ideas for an 8-year old boy’s birthday party”, it will craft an answer in natural language with valuable tips and suggestions instead of just pointing you to a party planner’s website or a Pinterest board. This gives it a personalised feel that’s been sorely lacking in search thus far, so it’s clear to see the appeal such AI has for most users.
According to CNET’s Stephen Shankler, “Bing can run rings around Google search”. The tech writer claims that he preferred Bing’s results for 8 out of ten tests he ran on both search engines, thanks to its artificial intelligence. Microsoft’s consumer products marketing chief Yusuf Mehdi claims that more than a million people have already signed up for the new ChatGPT-powered Bing at launch, and that number is growing by the day.
Google isn’t taking the news laying down. Just recently the search giant released its own AI chatbot named Bard, but the launch didn’t turn out too well when Bard provided an incorrect answer to a question. Oops! It’s back to the drawing board for now, but there’s little doubt that Google will eventually get it right and come back with a vengeance. It’s also worth noting that Bing’s AI isn’t flawless either and can return incorrect information, so for now, users cannot rely on their results being 100% factual. This is further proof that, right now, AI chatbots like ChatGPT are in no position to replace humans in any job that requires critical thinking and creative aptitude, so writers and designers can breathe a sigh of relief.
Microsoft’s new AI-powered Bing is still only available to a select number of users, but you can sign up for early access and try a demo of the AI if you simply can’t wait for the full rollout later this year.
Here’s to the future!
