Today, Microsoft has announced a major expansion of its artificial intelligence-powered search tools, boosting the capabilities of its search engine, Bing, and its web browser, Edge. These updates open up features that include visual and multimodal searches, tools for persistent chats, and the ability for users to create images through conversational prompts that support over 100 languages. This 90 day pilot period has resulted in the user experience exceeding 100 million daily active users and a four-fold increase in daily mobile app downloads since launch.
The updated features allow users to search using images, generate charts and graphs, and revisit and resume previous conversations through Bing Chat. This integration of chat history and persistent chats takes place within the Edge browser, making search more relevant and convenient across multiple interactions. As Bing Chat continues to track user queries and responses, it is able to deliver more personalized, improved answers based on the user’s context.
In addition to these internal updates, Microsoft is beginning to open up Bing’s capabilities to third-party developers. Soon, searches for restaurants on Bing Chat will allow users to book reservations through OpenTable, and answers to complex questions will be accessible through Wolfram Alpha without leaving the Bing experience. This opens up a platform for developers to build plugins on top of the search platform, making Bing act similar to a mobile phone app with specialized tasks such as booking a flight or watching a movie trailer.
The redesigned Edge browser, which also integrates Bing Chat, begins rolling out in the coming weeks for Windows 10, Windows 11, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. Microsoft stated that their goal is not to compete with other search engines or browsers, but to offer a unique and innovative experience that leverages their strengths in AI and cloud computing.
Divya Kumar, Microsoft’s Global Head of Marketing for Search and AI, is playing an integral role in this mission. Responsible for data collection and other relevant feedback, Kumar is further motivated of the progress made and excited about continuing this journey.
Microsoft is a leading technology company based in Redmond, Washington. Founded in 1975, it revolutionized the personal computer market, literally and figuratively changing how many people work. Microsoft set itself apart from a competitive technology landscape by making it easier for customers to leverage the power of computing. The company has kept true to this mission and through their updated search tools, the goal of making the lives of their customers around the world easier and more efficient, is coming to fruition.
