Since the introduction of LLM-powered chat answers on Bing in February of last year, Microsoft has been diligently working to revolutionize search. Trusted by hundreds of millions of users for information and answers, Bing is now unveiling an early view of its new generative search experience, currently available to a small percentage of user queries.
Combining AI with Search Results
By integrating generative AI and large language models (LLMs) with traditional search results, Bing’s generative search creates bespoke and dynamic responses to user queries. For instance, a search for ‘What is a spaghetti western?’ will yield an AI-generated experience detailing the film subgenre’s history, top examples, and origins. This information is presented clearly, with links and sources for further exploration, while traditional search results remain prominently displayed.
Enhanced Search Layout
This new search experience leverages both large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs). It comprehends the search query, reviews millions of information sources, dynamically matches content, and generates an AI-powered search layout that better fulfills the user’s intent. By combining the strengths of both LLMs and SLMs, Bing is able to provide a more accurate and relevant search experience.
Optimized Accuracy and Web Traffic
Bing has refined its methods to optimize accuracy, applying these insights to its evolving use of LLMs in search. Microsoft is closely monitoring how generative search impacts traffic to publishers. Early data suggests that this experience maintains website clicks and supports a healthy web ecosystem. The design retains traditional search results and increases the number of clickable links, such as references in the results.
Benefits for Users
The introduction of generative search on Bing brings several benefits for users:
- More accurate and relevant search results: By combining AI with traditional search results, Bing is able to provide a more accurate and relevant search experience.
- Improved user engagement: The increased number of clickable links in the results encourages users to explore more content, which can lead to higher website clicks and engagement.
- Enhanced web ecosystem: By maintaining website clicks and supporting a healthy web ecosystem, Bing’s generative search experience is beneficial for publishers and websites.
User Feedback and Future Developments
This marks another significant step in evolving Bing’s search experience. Microsoft is rolling out this feature slowly, gathering feedback, testing, learning, and working to create an optimal experience before broader availability. Users are encouraged to provide feedback using the thumbs up and thumbs down icons at the top of the generative search results or the Feedback icon at the bottom of the search results page.
What’s Next for Bing’s Generative Search
Microsoft is eager to share more updates in the coming months as they continue to refine and enhance the generative search experience. Some potential future developments include:
- Improved accuracy: By continuing to fine-tune its LLMs, Bing can provide even more accurate and relevant search results.
- Increased user engagement: The introduction of new features and interactive elements can increase user engagement and encourage users to explore more content.
- Expanded availability: As the feature is refined and optimized, Microsoft plans to roll out the generative search experience to a broader audience.
Conclusion
Bing’s AI-powered generative search experience marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of search. By combining AI with traditional search results, Bing is able to provide a more accurate and relevant search experience that benefits users and publishers alike. As Microsoft continues to refine and enhance this feature, we can expect even more innovative developments in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is generative search on Bing?
A: Generative search on Bing combines AI with traditional search results to create bespoke and dynamic responses to user queries.
Q: How does generative search impact traffic to publishers?
A: Early data suggests that this experience maintains website clicks and supports a healthy web ecosystem.
Q: What benefits do users receive from generative search on Bing?
A: Users benefit from more accurate and relevant search results, improved user engagement, and an enhanced web ecosystem.
Q: How can I provide feedback on the generative search experience?
A: You can provide feedback using the thumbs up and thumbs down icons at the top of the generative search results or the Feedback icon at the bottom of the search results page.