Microsoft Bing adds better version of Google's AI Overview — how it works

Bing with ChatGPT
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft and the Bing team have announced a new AI-powered search experience that is more or less their version of Google's controversial AI overviews.

A blog post highlighting the new tool breaks down how Bing's version will be different with seemingly more upfront information (h/t Digital Trends). 

Bing's generative search is meant to create "a bespoke and dynamic response." These include links to sources and further reading.

The example provided in the blog is the query "What is spaghetti western?" The AI-generated results begin with an in large, bold font that reads: A subgenre of films produced by Italian filmmakers. 

Below this is an AI-summary highlighting different topics and including citations on where the information came from.

Bing generative search result for what is a spaghetti western

(Image credit: Microsoft)

A source link is provided next to it, along with a number of summarized bites of information. On the left side of the screen there is an index for the different topics that the search produced. On the right are more traditional search results with links.

Microsoft claims that "early data indicates that this experience maintains the number of clicks to websites and supports a healthy web ecosystem."

The post also says that the Bing AI "understands the search query", meaning that conversational language or even non-specific queries are supposedly more likely to produce a result. Which is something that most large language models are capable of already but not specifically in a search engine.

The Bing team do say that the new search tool is being slowly rolled out. So, it's not clear who has access yet or when it will expand. They mentioned that they "will take our time, garner feedback, test and learn, and work to create a great experience before making this more broadly available."

Compared to Google's AI Overview, it isn't as minimalist and clean, but I think it looks and feels more informative with more actual options and links to information than the simple paragraph summary and a couple of links that Google is currently providing.

Bing generative search example looking up how long elephants live

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Between this and OpenAI's announcement of SearchGPT this week, Google is seeing some serious competition in the Search realm, especially when it comes to AI integration.

Google's AI overviews have been a disaster with a rushed implementation that has already been severely walked back.

Still, they are and remain the big dog the block with one study by HawkSEM claiming that Google had 1 billion daily active users in 2023 while Bing lagged far behind at 100 million daily users.

If other companies can start chipping away at Google with better search results perhaps it will make the giant take notice and actually improve its own search engine, which according to Ed Zitron is not doing well.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. 

Read more
ChatGPT on phone with Google logo in background
New study reveals people are ditching Google for AI tools like ChatGPT search — here's why
AI Mode of google search
Google launches 'AI Mode' for search — here's how to try it now
Bing vs Google
Microsoft accused of making Bing look just like Google search — and Google fires back
Perplexity logo on a smartphone display
What is Perplexity AI? — everything there is to know about the search engine and chatbot
New Windows Search feature example on Windows 11
Microsoft is bringing big upgrades to Windows Search for Copilot+ PCs — here's what we know
ChatGPT Search on iPhone
How to replace Google with ChatGPT — try these 5 easy steps
Latest in Search Engines
Google logo on the side of its HQ
Google is refusing to comply with upcoming EU fact-checking laws — what we know
Bing vs Google
Microsoft accused of making Bing look just like Google search — and Google fires back
Google search open on laptop
You can limit your Google searches to a single website — here's how
Chrome browser on phone with Chrome logo in the background
DOJ will reportedly force Google to sell Chrome — what you need to know
Google Shopping feeds on phones
Google gives Google Shopping an AI makeover — here's what's new
Google search on a phone screen
Google Search has a new trick up its sleeve — and it might save you from fake AI images
Latest in News
OnePlus 13 back, leaning against blue wall
OnePlus 13T could come with an even bigger battery than OnePlus 13 — this is incredible
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3 just tipped for two major upgrades
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 25 (#653)
A nervous woman looking at her phone
Is ChatGPT making us lonely? MIT/OpenAI study reveals possible link
Titus Welliver in Bosch Legacy season 3
‘Bosch’ season 3 preview: 5 things to know before the final season on Prime Video
A first look at Amazon's Fallout TV series coming to Prime Video
‘Fallout’ season 3 plans are reportedly being made — while season 2 is still filming