%Microsoft ($MSFT) has unveiled a new version of its Bing search engine that is powered by %ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI).
ChatGPT is a powerful AI technology that has attracted considerable attention since its launch last fall. Microsoft has partnered with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, and poured billions of dollars into the technology.
Microsoft is using ChatGPT to enhance Bing and challenge market leader %Alphabet ($GOOGL) in the online search category.
The popularity of ChatGPT has sparked an AI arms race among leading tech companies. Earlier this week, Alphabet announced its own chatbot aimed at competing against ChatGPT called “Bard.”
At the same time, Chinese tech giant Baidu unveiled its chatbot AI system called “Ernie Bot.”
“The race starts today,” Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella said in announcing the new Bing search engine.
ChatGPT uses AI to generate human-like responses to search requests, and analysts say it represents a quantum leap forward in artificial intelligence.
Going forward, Bing will respond to search queries with more detailed answers, not just links to websites.
Users are also able to chat with the bot to tailor their online search questions. More contextual answers will be added on the righthand side of a search page, said Microsoft CEO Nadella.
The new %BingSearch engine is now live, though with a limited number of searches for each person.
Microsoft, an early backer of San Francisco-based and privately held OpenAI, has been investing billions in artificial intelligence in recent years to rival Alphabet.
Microsoft has also announced plans for a new premium tier of Microsoft Teams, its messaging software, that will feature ChatGPT, including a feature that automatically generates notes.
Microsoft’s stock has declined 12% over the last year to trade at $267.56 U.S. per share.