According to a recent report from The Information, Meta is working on developing its AI-powered search engine to reduce dependency on Google and Microsoft. The rumored search engine is said to provide AI-generated search summaries of current events within the Meta AI chatbot.
The Meta AI bot currently uses Google and Microsoft to answer the user’s queries and provide the recent news. But that would soon change.
Months ago, it was reported that Meta’s web crawler was spotted roaming the web. The source from The Information implies that a dedicated engineering team has been working to build its database of information for its chatbot for eight months, which will be utilized by the search engine.
Meta’s move to create its own search engine is said to follow the steps of other leading AI players, such as Sam Altman’s OpenAI who unveiled a search engine prototype called “SearchGPT” with plans to integrate the feature directly into its chatbot ChatGPT.
Meta has also worked on building up location data that has the potential to compete with Google. Last month, Bloomberg reported that ‘Apple’s work on search tools in the App Store showed how it “has what it needs” for its own AI-powered Google Search replacement.’
Recently, Meta also announced a multi-year deal with Reuters that would allow its chatbot to use the outlet’s news articles in answers. However, Meta’s shift toward integrating news with its AI chatbot contradicts its efforts to minimize news and political content through its app suite.
The new AI deal implies the potential comeback of news in a more controlled capacity.
