Microsoft has announced that Bing, its search engine, is now powered by AI technology.
The update includes a chatbot that responds to conversational queries, as well as improved results for queries that currently produce inadequate responses.
The service is also able to offer broader topic summaries, help with tasks like planning trips or projects, and even writing.
The new tech is powered by ChatGPT, the same AI system that powers Microsoft Office.
Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, said that the updated Bing would offer "human-like AI experiences that are informed by decades of search research".
CNET reports that the new service offers a wide range of AI-augmented help, including "tips for throwing dinner parties".
Meanwhile, Stephen Shankland from ZDNet emphasises that the new AI-powered service is designed to address the shortcomings of current search engines.
He writes that Nadella "bristled when asked whether he was trying to take on Google on its home turf," but he did clearly state that the aim was to provide "answers that a regular search engine is not capable of doing".
Overall, the press is largely positive about the update, with many describing it as a significant improvement.
However, it is noteworthy that different publications emphasise differing aspects of the update.
While CNET reports on the specific AI-augmented features, ZDNet draws out the point that the new service aims to fill a gap in the search engine market.
The language used in each publication's coverage also varies widely, with ZDNet describing Bing as a "longtime second-place search engine", while other publications are more measured in their language.