Internet search companies have already incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their platforms, with a projected surge in AI utilization for online searches in the near future.
While some technology experts anticipate a considerable enhancement in overall user experience due to this transition, researchers harbor distinct concerns.
Google stands out as one of the pioneering adopters of AI in search. This American-based tech giant currently manages an estimated 80% of global internet search queries.
Microsoft’s Bing search engine also leverages AI capabilities, with its Navigator feature integrated into Bing’s AI framework. Navigator serves as an AI tool designed to operate across various Microsoft business products.
Navigator is built upon the ChatGPT model developed by OpenAI, which made its debut in a late 2022 release. ChatGPT, a computer-powered AI entity, was engineered to facilitate human-machine interactions.
A snapshot of the Microsoft Bing search engine was showcased during a presentation at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, on February 7, 2023. (Photo by Jason Redmond / AFP)
These AI tools, commonly referred to as “chatbots” or “generative AI,” undergo training on extensive internet data. They showcase the capacity to generate content in human-readable formats and create high-quality visual and video content based on concise textual inputs.
Nevertheless, these AI techniques also pose potential risks. There is a likelihood of these tools presenting inaccurate or misleading information as factual, and they may perpetuate biases against marginalized or minority groups.
In this context, we offer guidance for users seeking innovative methods to obtain more relevant and refined search outcomes.
Where to Access AI-Powered Search Tools?
Leading research institutions have made it convenient to discover AI-driven search engines within their primary search results.
Google employs its proprietary robotic entity, Gemini, to power its search functionality, accessible seamlessly via mobile devices or websites. Gemini aids users in searches and various robotic operations.
Google has experimented with a novel search service named “Search Generative Experience,” currently in beta phase. This service replaces conventional links with succinct AI-generated snippets providing fundamental information on a topic. Presently, access to this system is limited to users who sign up through Google’s experimental Labs website in the United States.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Modern Life, Search, and Devices, speaks during an event introducing the new AI-powered Microsoft Bing and Edge at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, on February 7, 2023. (Photo by Jason Redmond/AFP)
To utilize AI features with Microsoft’s Bing search engine, users can simply click on the Talk or Navigator button below the main search interface and input their search queries.
Furthermore, new AI-driven search engines have emerged, albeit not as easily locatable. According to the Associated Press, employing Copilot or Gemini to search for tools is a recommended approach. Notable platforms to keep an eye on include Perplexity, HuggingChat, You.com, Komo, Andi, Phind, Exa, and AskAI.
Are Registration or Payments Required for Access?
Most of these solutions offer free versions with limitations on the number of queries allowed. Users can opt for upgraded versions offering more sophisticated AI tools and search options.
For instance, Gemini users can access an upgraded version, Ultra1.0, for $20, touted as the most advanced package.
Startup websites typically do not mandate account creation and are predominantly free to use, with options for premium upgrades.
A visual featuring the Google logo alongside the term AI Artificial Intelligence captured on May 4, 2023. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
What to Expect from AI-Enhanced Search Results?
AI-powered tools typically yield comprehensive and easily digestible information, unlike conventional Google searches. Some outcomes may even cite the primary information source, with occasional alerts regarding potential misinformation in the results.
Experimenting with diverse AI tools is advisable as each may yield varying outcomes, often significantly distinct. According to the AP, AI-aided search results can be particularly valuable for uncovering additional insights or statistics.
I’m Bryan Lynn, signing off.
This article was originally reported by The Associated Press. For VOA Learning English, Bryant Lynn revised the content.
