Users have the option to utilize Question FT for answering queries related to current events or broader topics covered by the Financial Times.
The Financial Times has introduced a new innovative AI tool named Ask FT, designed to respond to client inquiries. This tool functions similarly to other advanced AI systems like ChatGPT, Copilot, or Gemini, offering tailored and informative responses based on the vast repository of the Financial Times’ published content. Unlike more complex solutions, Ask FT draws from the outlet’s extensive archive to provide accessible answers rooted in established information. However, it is not intended for whimsical queries such as the best meal for fettuccine felipe.
For instance, when we inquired about the individual overseeing Microsoft’s AI products, Ask FT promptly supplied an updated response. It highlighted Microsoft’s recent appointment of Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of DeepMind, as the head of its new AI division:
Mustafa Suleyman currently leads Microsoft’s consumer-oriented AI products and division, serving as the head of Microsoft AI and reporting directly to Satya Nadella. He transitioned from Inflection AI to bolster Microsoft’s focus on developing generative AI for personal consumer applications.
The tool references specific FT articles denoted by bracketed numbers, indicating the sources consulted for the response, along with the corresponding publication dates. In the case of the Microsoft query, information was sourced from articles published between March 1st, 2023, and March 20th, 2024.
Despite its capabilities, we identified inconsistencies in some responses during our evaluation. Notably, the tool included Nikki Haley in the answer to our query regarding the 2024 US presidential election, despite her withdrawal from the race at that time.
Ask FT is currently accessible to a select group of paid subscribers within the FT Professional tier, tailored for business professionals and organizations. Powered by Claude, the large language model (LLM) developed by Anthropic, the tool’s underlying technology may evolve over time. FT’s chief product officer manager, Lindsey Jayne, indicated a willingness to explore different models to ensure optimal performance.
This AI tool can address inquiries spanning from current events, such as Intel’s funding under the CHIPS Act, to broader topics like the environmental impact of cryptocurrency. By leveraging the FT’s archives, Ask FT delivers concise summaries supported by relevant citations.
Furthermore, Ask FT can delve into the FT’s historical records to respond to inquiries requiring in-depth research. For instance, when queried about YouTube’s origins, it accurately attributed its founding to Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim in February 2005.
While Ask FT demonstrates significant potential, it remains in beta testing and is currently accessible to a limited audience. The FT continues to refine and assess the tool’s performance based on user feedback and internal testing.
