ChatGPT-powered Bing could launch today — here’s what we know

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Could a chatbot AI version of Bing unseat Google as the king of search?

A screenshot of a rumored ChatGPT-powered Bing search engine.
(Image credit: Owen_Yin/Twitter)

ChatGPT may have just made things even worse for Google. 

In leaked screenshots reported by The Verge, Twitter user Owen Yin tweeted out screenshots of an overhauled version of Microsoft’s search engine Bing that they were able to use. This new version of Bing replaces a traditional search bar with a composer text box that appears to be the composer text box from ChatGPT.

Bing powered by ChatGPT: How it could work 

Based on Owen Yin’s tweets and subsequent Medium post, we have a decent idea of how “the new Bing” will work, provided that this is the same version that Microsoft ultimately announces. 

In this new version of Bing, the old-fashioned search bar isn’t disappearing completely, but there will now be an option next to “All” called “Chat.” If you select this option, a composer box will appear allowing you to ask Bing a question, just like how you would when using ChatGPT.

However, the new Bing takes things a step further than ChatGPT in Yin’s testing. First, ChatGPT only has data as recent as 2021, whereas this updated Bing search engine will have current information available. 

Second, Bing can provide sources for the information it pulls. In its response to your query, it will highlight certain phrases and cite where the highlighted information was pulled from. This is a huge boost to those worried about plagiarizing unintentionally when using chatbot AI, something that is a serious concern with ChatGPT.

ChatGPT-powered Bing search engine providing results

(Image credit: Owen Yin/Medium)

Finally, apparently, the ChatGPT-powered version of Bing can apparently make plans for you. Yin says that it can take inputs such as “personal requirements, like your meal preferences, budget constraints, location, or time requirements” and spit out results like meal plans or travel itineraries. 

In a recent article on ChatGPT Plus, I stated that “Until AI like ChatGPT can compete on things that the everyday user needs — like finding a restaurant — Google is probably safe.” It seems that moment could be coming as soon as today, so stay tuned for more news on what we find out from Microsoft’s highly-anticipated event. 

Malcolm McMillan
Malcolm McMillan
Streaming Editor

Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.