Microsoft Bing search might finally be getting a little useful

Bing
(Image credit: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock)

Microsoft is currently working on a new update for Bing that will add an AI-powered assistant bot to its search engine.

As reported by Windows Latest, the new assistant appears to offer the same functionality as Cortana and will be able to communicate directly over search results.

Microsoft has been developing bots for Bing for some time now as the company first showed off previews of single-purpose bots for its search engine back in 2017. Now though, it appears the software giant is testing out a new productivity-focused bot called “Chat” which is designed to help users with their search queries.

Bing assistant

Once rolled out to Microsoft's search engine, users will be able to launch the Bing assistant by clicking on a new “chat” icon that will appear next to the floating search button.

The software giant's alternative to Siri and Google Assistant is also capable of having casual conversations with users. During its testing, Windows Latest asked Bing bot about Windows 10 and the assistant began discussing its new computer which is outfitted with the latest version of Windows.

The news outlet also discovered that the bot is capable of recommending products below a certain price point. For instance, a search for business laptop recommendations under $900 led Microsoft's Bing assistant to recommend Lenovo laptops as they “can run all versions of Windows”. The assistant can also have casual conversations with users but Windows Latest found that it would repeat the questions it was asked if it didn't have any information on the subject.

Bing assistant isn't the first bot designed for the search engine though as Microsoft has also developed Bing Image Bot and Bing Music Bot during the last few years. We'll have to wait and see when the company decides to release Bing assistant as there has yet to be an official announcement regarding the new chatbot.

Via Windows Latest

Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

Read more
Microsoft AI Windows Search
Microsoft wants AI to make searching for files a more casual experience
Copilot on a laptop
What is Copilot: Microsoft’s AI chatbot isn't just for Windows users
Search bar.
'Ads are coming.' An AI search expert predicts what the future of search is going to look like
ChatGPT search on a laptop.
What is ChatGPT search: everything you need to know about the AI search tool
An iPhone showing the ChatGPT logo on its screen
ChatGPT brings its conversational search engine to everyone
Business software
Microsoft unveils even more AI agents - this time to help you clinch that big sale
Latest in Pro
Squarespace
Build a website for less with 10% off Squarespace subscriptions
An American flag flying outside the US Capitol building against a blue sky
The FCC is creating a security council to bolster US defenses against cyberattacks
UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer
UK PM says AI should soon replace civil servants
Image depicting hands typing on a keyboard, with phishing hooks holding files, passwords and credit cards.
Microsoft warns about a new phishing campaign impersonating Booking.com
Ransomware
Microsoft uncovers sleuthy new XCSSET MacOS malware campaign
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
Why effective cybersecurity is a team effort
Latest in News
A graphic of the PC Gaming Show
Get ready for a bounty of PC games on June 8, as the PC Gaming show is back
A close up of The Daily podcast from Pocket Casts' web page
‘Podcasting shouldn’t be locked behind walled gardens’: Pocket Casts slams Spotify and makes its web player free to all
A smartphone on a sofa showing the WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal apps
Forget AI – WhatsApp is planning a simple messages feature that could be its most useful upgrade in years
NordicTrack Ultra 1
The new NordicTrack Ultra 1 treadmill looks like it was designed by an architect and costs $15,000
An Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
Nvidia RTX 5080 stock is so barren that retailers are holding competitions where you can "win" the right to buy one for MSRP
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Ubisoft shareholder accuses publisher of 'misleading investors', plans protest outside Paris HQ