Emerging AI-based search systems often leverage large language models to generate explanations, consolidate content from multiple sources or cogently summarize a selected web page. The AI search systems covered below vary as to when they deliver LLM-aided results (ranging from only when you request it to every time) and how much control you have over whether AI is used at all (ranging from no control to quite customizable search settings).
Reader beware: The main issue with LLMs is the content may not always be 100% accurate. So go ahead and explore each of the five search systems listed, but make sure to verify any AI-generated response. Google’s AI Overviews: Use for some searches
AI Overviews attempts to distill information from multiple sources into a single relevant answer, so you don’t need to sift through pages of links. Or, as Google employees have described it, AI Overviews lets “Google do the Googling for you.”
Like all the tools on this list, it’s new. Google announced AI Overviews, formerly known as Search Generative Experience , at Google I/O 2024 .
Initially, an AI Overview is most likely to appear for searches that aid brainstorming, planning or understanding. For example, the screenshot shows the explanation generated in response to a sample query of “What are the chances of seeing a shooting star?” Note that this response features a few relevant links after the initial paragraph. Google.com now provides a clearly marked “AI Overview” in response to some searches. Screenshot: Andy Wolber/TechRepublic Google is rolling out AI Overviews as a feature of the company’s free, ad-supported search service available on the web and in mobile apps. It is available only on a subset of searches. Perplexity: LLM for every search
Perplexity leverages AI for every prompt, unlike Google’s AI Overviews. In some cases, especially when a query may be unclear, Perplexity pauses and prompts you for clarification; typically, this allows the system to tune the response to more accurately meet your question. Responses include easy-to-follow reference links to aid the verification of sources. Perplexity delivers an AI-generated response to every question. Screenshot: Andy Wolber/TechRepublic A free […]
The Future of Search? 5 New Ways to Find Answers with AI Search
