Meta develops its own AI-based search engine
Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, is venturing into the development of its own AI-based search engine as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on industry giants like Google and Microsoft's Bing. The primary objective behind this initiative is to bolster advertising revenue by integrating ads directly into its proprietary search engine, thereby reducing dependence on external platforms for generating income.
Interactive AI-generated summaries and chatbot integration
The forthcoming AI-driven search engine by Meta promises to offer users interactive summaries of the latest information and current events. This feature will be facilitated through Meta's AI chatbot, which is slated for integration across its popular social media applications such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. While the current version of Meta's chatbot relies on Google and Bing for search queries, the company is in the process of assembling a dedicated team of engineers to develop a comprehensive database of relevant information.
Setting itself apart from the competition
Meta's foray into the search engine domain mirrors the strategic moves made by other tech giants like OpenAI and Apple. While OpenAI recently unveiled its prototype search engine "SearchGPT," Apple has been exploring avenues to integrate AI tools into its search functionalities. However, Meta's approach distinguishes itself by closely aligning the search engine with its social media platforms, striving to offer users personalized information and cultivate a deeper engagement with its ecosystem.
Partnership with Reuters and resurgence in news content
In a significant development on October 25, Meta announced a long-term collaboration with Reuters, a renowned news agency, to infuse news content into its AI-based chatbot functionalities. This collaboration signifies Meta's strategic pivot towards news content after a period of diminishing emphasis on news and political-related content.
Despite scaling back on news-centric features since 2020, such as the closure of the news tab and reduced focus on political news, Meta's recent partnership with Reuters signals a calculated return to news content targeting users actively seeking news updates. This move underscores Meta's commitment to enhancing its search capabilities and information delivery mechanisms through cutting-edge technology and engineering innovations, aiming to offer users a more tailored information experience while reducing reliance on external platforms.
