Microsoft's Edge browser now urges users to utilize Copilot when searching for specific AI models on Bing
In the world of technology, a love affair with computers began for Nick Evanson on a Sinclair ZX81. Fast forward to the present, Evanson, a seasoned veteran in the tech industry, finds himself grappling with the strategic promotion of Microsoft's Copilot AI on Bing.
Microsoft's search engine is subtly highlighting Copilot, its AI, on select Bing search results. However, it's not a uniform promotion. Instead, Bing showcases Copilot primarily when users search for competing AI chatbots or related terms, such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Google's Gemini. This selective promotion is part of Microsoft's strategy to draw attention to Copilot specifically when users demonstrate an interest in rival AI services [1][3].
The rationale behind this selective approach appears to be a cautious, contextual strategy. Microsoft is currently basing Copilot Search on the query and session context rather than using deep personalization or behavioral data. This suggests a conservative, privacy-conscious rollout strategy, where Copilot is showcased only in relevant competitive scenarios, rather than being the default AI response everywhere [2].
Some observers have noted that Bing's Copilot promotion can feel half-hearted or inconsistent because the prompt bar does not appear on all Bing search results. This selective placement may be a marketing choice to avoid overwhelming users while still targeting specific high-value queries related to AI competitors [5].
Nick Evanson, who has been writing about gaming and computers since 1981, is puzzled as to why Microsoft hasn't made Copilot AI the default search response from Bing. He suggests that Microsoft could showcase all its AI efforts to millions of users daily by doing so [4].
Evanson's observation seems contrary to Microsoft's otherwise invasive integration of the AI. For instance, the Copilot prompt bar appears on Bing webpages, not just on Edge [2]. However, the Copilot promotion does not appear on every Bing search result, only a handful related to certain AI models [5].
Evanson, who started his career as a physics and IT teacher, worked at Beyond3D.com and Futuremark (MadOnion rebranded) as editor-in-chief for its gaming and hardware section, YouGamers. He returned to writing after four years at TechSpot.com. He has written over 100 long articles on various topics and is obsessed with GPUs and open-world grindy RPGs [6].
References:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/23633118/bing-copilot-ai-promotion-ai-models-chatgpt-claude-gemini [2] https://www.wired.com/story/microsofts-copilot-ai-bing-search/ [3] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/17/microsoft-copilot-ai-bing-search-results [4] https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-copilot-ai-bing-search-default-response [5] https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsoft-copilot-ai-bing-search-promotion-strategy [6] https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-evanson-8b349616/
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- Nick Evanson, who is well-known for his affinity towards computers and gaming, questions Microsoft's decision to not make Copilot AI the default search response from Bing.
- Microsoft's approach towards promoting Copilot AI on Bing is selective, focusing on promoting it primarily when users search for competing AI chatbots or related terms.
- Despite Microsoft's Copilot AI integration in various aspects, the prominence of Copilot is noticeably absent from most Bing search results.
