Google: the behemoth of the search world. For years, it has been our go-to for everything from settling familial disputes to diagnosing mysterious rashes (not recommended). But now AI is changing the game, transforming how people search for information and it might just give Google a run for its money.
Google isn’t just a search engine; it’s practically a verb. In fact, over 90% of all internet searches globally are conducted through Google. Whether you’re “googling” the nearest coffee shop or finding out who won the latest reality TV show, Google is there, omnipresent and omnipotent. It has become such a staple that life without it is practically unimaginable.
But, the winds of change are blowing. AI-powered search technologies are emerging, threatening to disrupt Google’s serene monopoly. These AI search tools are designed to not only provide answers but to understand and predict what you’re really asking for.
Intriguing, right?
Understanding AI-powered search and its potential
AI search tools use large language models (LLMs) to analyse mountains of data and generate human-like responses to your queries. Instead of churning out links, these AI systems craft well-rounded, human-like answers.
These advancements could significantly alter how we search for information online. Imagine asking for advice on planning a dinner party and getting a step-by-step guide with menu suggestions, decorating tips, and a playlist, all curated by an AI.
The rise of AI search tools
At the heart of this AI revolution are large language models, or LLMs. Think of them as super-smart algorithms that have read more books, articles, and web pages than any human ever could. These LLMs learn patterns in language and can predict the best way to answer a question.
These AI search tools didn’t just appear overnight, though it might feel like that at times given how quickly new AI tools seem to keep popping up. Truly, these tools have been in the works for years, evolving from simple chatbots to sophisticated systems capable of generating content.
Companies are pouring billions into developing these tools. OpenAI’s ChatGPT went viral at the end of 2022, showcasing its widespread application and its potential to shake up industries. Many people are already relying on ChatGPT to answer their queries, rather than searching in Google for the answers.
AI search alternatives to Google
But this is not just an arms race between ChatGPT and Google. The AI market has exploded over the last two years, with a range of exciting and innovative platforms emerging to rival ChatGPT. While ChatGPT’s ability to generate human-like text has made it a favourite among tech enthusiasts and businesses alike, other players in the market offer other advantages.
Perplexity AI is one of these, offering real-time information with citations. This is a useful one, as some AI tools, like ChatGPT suffer from what developers call “hallucinations”. Basically what this means is that it sometimes make things up. Perplexity AI is part of a wave of start-ups trying to remake search with artificial intelligence, having recently raised $26 million in a funding round led by New Enterprise Associates in a bid to rival Google.
And of course Microsoft couldn’t resist getting in on the AI game. They’ve revamped Bing, now powered by AI technology to provide faster and more accurate search results. Microsoft claims this new Bing can not only answer your questions but also engage in meaningful follow-up discussions, making it a serious contender in the search market.
Additional AI tools like ours have been specifically crafted to address the needs of specific industries. Equip AI is an employee self-service search tool that helps them find the relevant company information, HR policies and documentation they need to improve day-to-day productivity within their organisational operations.
These examples show that AI search isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a full-blown revolution. And with heavyweights like Microsoft and innovative startups like ours in the mix, Google’s reign as the undisputed king of search might just be facing its first real challenge.
Will Google hold onto its crown?
How might AI search tools disrupt Google’s dominance
So, how exactly can AI search tools give Google a run for its money? Well, it’s all about delivering what the user wants – and doing it better, faster, and smarter. AI search platforms have a few tricks up their sleeves that traditional search engines might envy. They can understand context, predict what you’re looking for, and provide direct answers without making you wade through pages of links.
For example, Perplexity AI has gained a loyal user base because it doesn’t just give you answers; it backs them up with sources. This level of transparency and real-time information could lure users away from Google’s familiar blue links. Plus, with a total of $165 million in venture capital funding, Perplexity AI is showing that it’s ready to compete with the big guns.
What makes AI search unique
AI search tools shine in several areas:
- Contextual understanding: They get what you’re asking, even if you’re not super clear.
- Direct answers: No more clicking through multiple links to find what you need. AI tells it to you straight.
- Personalisation: They can tailor responses based on previous interactions and preferences.
AI search tools can provide a level of detail and personalisation that traditional search engines simply can’t match. This could mean less time searching and more time enjoying the answers you find.
However, they’re not without their quirks. Sometimes, AI can be a bit too creative with its answers, leading to inaccuracies. Traditional search engines, like Google, have the benefit of maturity – years of refining algorithms and crawling the web for the best results.
Where AI struggles
Despite its potential, AI search platforms face significant challenges. Ensuring accuracy remains a big hurdle. AI can sometimes generate convincing but incorrect information, a phenomenon known as “hallucination.” Moreover, AI platforms need vast amounts of data and computational power, which can be expensive and environmentally taxing. There’s also the challenge of earning user trust – Google’s brand is almost synonymous with search, and changing user habits is no small feat.
Google’s response to AI search
Not one to be left behind, Google has rolled out its own AI-powered feature: AI Overviews. This tool is designed to provide users with direct answers to their queries, complete with links to sources. It’s like having a supercharged Google assistant right there in your search bar.
AI Overviews
Google’s AI Overviews isn’t just about giving answers; it’s about doing so with speed and accuracy. It synthesises information from various sources and presents it in a concise, easy-to-read format. Want to know how to grow tomatoes? Instead of scrolling through countless gardening blogs, Google’s AI Overview gives you a summary of the best tips, right at the top of your search results.
How this impacts the traditional search model
The integration of AI into Google’s traditional search model is a game-changer. It signifies a shift from simply indexing the web to understanding and delivering information in a more user-friendly manner. However, it also means that Google must balance this new approach with the reliability and trust it has built over the years.
Incorporating AI more deeply into its search functions allows Google to stay ahead of the curve, but it also faces the same challenges as other AI platforms: ensuring accuracy, maintaining user trust, and constantly evolving to meet user needs.
Users have already begun pointing out the odd and sometimes dangerous hallucinations that Google’s AI Overviews has been suggesting. Google has said that it’s adding triggering restrictions for queries where AI Overviews failed to provide accurate or sensitive responses particularly for queries related to health.
By leveraging AI, Google aims to enhance the user experience, making search faster and more intuitive. But with competitors like Perplexity AI and Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing snapping at its heels, the search giant will need to continually innovate to retain its crown.
Equip AI: AI search for enterprises
At Vitro Global, our experts are dedicated to improving people lives at work through innovation. That’s why we created Equip AI, the revolutionary HR AI assistant. Equip AI is designed to transform how employees access and share corporate information, making it as simple as asking a question and receiving an immediate, human-like response.
How Equip AI helps employees
Imagine having a 24/7 assistant that can swiftly answer any HR-related query, drawing on company policies, procedural manuals and documentation to deliver personalised responses in over 100 languages. That’s Equip AI in a nutshell.
It understands and processes complex questions, providing instant, accurate answers. Need to know the details of your leave policy or the how to submit a grievance. Equip AI handles these queries with ease, saving employees countless hours that would otherwise be spent searching through dense documents.
What this means for organisations
Equip AI offers numerous benefits in the workplace:
- Enhance efficiency: Reduce time spent on searching for information, increasing productivity.
- Improve accuracy: Provide reliable, well-sourced answers instantly with reference to the relevant document or policy information it came from.
- Personalise support: Tailor responses to match the company’s tone and culture, enhancing user experience and easing frustration.
- Access it anytime, anywhere: Available to employees 24/7, improving autonomy and employee self-service through AI. Use it on the go by downloading the app.
- Free your HR teams: Significantly reduce the burden of help desk ticketing support from your HR people so they can focus on strategic initiatives.
Studies show that AI-driven tools like Equip AI can boost productivity, efficiency and access by up to 15%. Join the 75% of leaders who say that using AI improves collaboration and saves them tens of thousands of hours a year.
Equip AI is specifically tailored for corporate environments, run on agent-based AI to go beyond simple responses and provide intelligent reasoning and planning. This tool offers leaders data-driven insights about their employees and content bias by seamlessly integrating with your existing systems. Our robust security features ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and helps mitigate risks.
Equip AI isn’t just about answering questions – it’s about enhancing the overall employee experience, improving compliance, and automating routine HR-related tasks.
The future of search with AI
The future of search engines is looking smarter and more intuitive, thanks to AI. We predict that AI integration will make search engines more context-aware, capable of understanding nuanced queries and delivering more personalised results.
As AI continues to evolve, search engines will become more proactive in anticipating user needs and providing personalised responses.
Implications for users, businesses, and the search industry
For users, the implications are clear: more accurate, faster, and personalised search results, leading to better productivity and satisfaction.
Businesses will benefit from reduced time spent on information retrieval and improved decision-making thanks to data-driven insights.
The search industry as a whole will see a shift towards more intelligent and interactive tools, setting a new standard for how we find and use information.
As AI search technology continues to advance, companies like Google and innovative newcomers will need to keep up with the rapid pace of change to stay relevant. For enterprises, platforms like Equip AI represent the cutting edge of this evolution, promising a future where information is always at your fingertips, whenever you need it.
Final thoughts
As we navigate the new normal of search, it’s clear that AI is poised to significantly disrupt the status quo. Google’s dominance in the search market has long been unchallenged, but the rise of AI search tools is changing the game.
These innovative tools, driven by advanced large language models, offer unparalleled contextual understanding, direct answers, and personalised interactions that traditional search engines are only beginning to replicate.
Equip AI exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in a corporate setting. By providing instant, accurate responses to queries and automating routine tasks, Equip AI not only boosts efficiency and productivity but also enhances the overall employee experience. Its advanced features and seamless integration with existing systems set a new standard for enterprise search tools, proving that AI can deliver substantial benefits in real-world applications.
The future of search with AI integration looks incredibly promising. We can anticipate continued advancements in NLP, personalisation, and data analysis, all of which will make our interactions with search engines more intuitive. For businesses and users alike, the implications are profound. Faster access to information, better decision-making, and a more seamless search experience.
Google’s new AI Overviews represent a significant step in this direction, but the competition from other AI-driven platforms underscores the need for continuous innovation. The future of search is bright, as we enter a new era of intelligent, efficient, and user-friendly information retrieval.
To learn more about Equip AI, speak to one of our team and book a FREE demo to see how it could help your business.
