Microsoft unveils crazy new Bing powered by ChatGPT AI tech
Microsoft just flexed its AI muscle with a totally new Bing.
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What you need to know
Microsoft just unveiled a new version of Bing that’s powered by ChatGPT. The revamped search engine will use the power of artificial intelligence to understand queries written with natural language and to generate answers. The new Bing has OpenAI’s next-generation language model underneath the hood, which is a significant improvement of the version of ChatGPT that’s gone viral over the past two months.
“It’s a new day for search. … in fact a race starts today in terms of what you can expect. And we’re going to move, we’re going to move fast. … We want to have a lot of fun innovating in search, because it’s high time,” said Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella atMicrosoft’s AI event.
Most notably, the AI that powers the revamped Bing can use up to date information to answer questions. ChatGPT 3.5, which is what powers the chatbot that’s gained notoriety since launching last November, relied on information from 2021 and before.
The new OpenAI large language model that powers Bing has been optimized for search. It’s built on learning from ChatGPT and GPT-3.5. Microsoft did not mention GPT4, which was rumored to power the service.
The tech giant did, however, discussed its proprietary way of using OpenAI. The Microsoft Prometheus model delivers timely and relevant results, according to Microsoft.
Microsoft also noted that it’s used AI to improve the Bing search ranking engine. The company said that move led to the “largest jump in relevance in two decades.”
When users open the Bing website, they’ll be met with a chatbot interface rather than a search box (though the classic version of Bing remains available if preferred).
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Microsoft $1 billion to company behind ChatGPT, OpenAI, back in 2019. Amulti-billion-dollar investmentfrom Microsoft into OpenAI was announced earlier this year. The tech giant wants to integrate artificial intelligence into all of its products, and today’s news is a major step in that direction.
AI recently rolled out to Teams Premium, and rumors swirled for weeks about Bing gaining the power of artificial intelligence.
Microsoft highlights the capabilities of the new Bing in ablog post:
This is a breaking news story, and we’ll update it as more information becomes available.
Tweets from the press
While Microsoft did not live stream today’s AI event, press are in attendance. We’ll add information from the event below as it comes in.
Bing will try to tell you if a loveseat will fit in your car (but will acknowledge it’s not positive). pic.twitter.com/lAFuQaOG5KFebruary 7, 2023
As has been rumored, the new Bing is based on a new version of the work @OpenAI is doing (but not necessarily #ChatGPT4). In addition, @Microsoft has built something they’re calling the Prometheus model. pic.twitter.com/0Efu3zBGCaFebruary 7, 2023
Here’s the first demo of how the new Bing works! Using AI you’ll be able to get a quick summary to your questions on the side with links to the resources. pic.twitter.com/ZFA3rEgBn0February 7, 2023
Windows Central take
Bing has sat in a distant second place behind Google since its launch. Microsoft’s heavy investment in artificial intelligence looks like it will pay off in a big way when it comes to improving AI. The question is if it will convert anyone over from Google search.
Microsoft can’t force people to swap search engines, but the revamped Bing looks like it provides unique functionality that genuinely makes it stand out against the competition. ChatGPT also has the public interest right now, so plugging into that excitement could lead many to try out the new Bing.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
