AI assisted search-based research actually works now
For the past two and a half years, the feature that has been most anticipated from LLMs is the capability to handle search-based research tasks effectively. The progress in this area started becoming noticeable back in early 2023 with the introduction of Perplexity in December 2022, followed by GPT-4 powered Microsoft Bing in February 2023. Several entities, including Google Gemini and ChatGPT Search, have attempted to address this challenge. However, the earlier versions up till 2023 were promising but lacking in reliability, often providing erroneous details not verified in the search results.
Advancements in AI Assisted Search
As of the first half of 2025, significant progress has been made, and these systems have finally transitioned into being genuinely beneficial for users. Deep Research, offered by three different vendors, showcases the evolution in this field. Implementations such as o3 and o4-mini have excelled in search functionality, setting a new standard in efficiency and accuracy.
Enhanced Capabilities
Unlike their predecessors, these newer models can seamlessly integrate search processes within their reasoning algorithms, resulting in more reliable responses based on actual search results. This breakthrough marks a significant milestone in the evolution of AI models for search-based tasks.
Real-time Interaction
Engaging with these advanced models, such as o3 and o4-mini, feels akin to conversing with a Deep Research tool in real-time, eliminating the need for lengthy report generation. Users can now pose queries and receive prompt, accurate responses grounded in relevant search data.
Potential Implications
The emergence of models like o3, o4-mini, and Gemini 2.5 Pro raises questions about the future implications of AI-assisted search. With the ability to retrieve information efficiently and accurately, users may rely more on these tools, potentially transforming the way information is accessed online.
Furthermore, the increased reliability of these AI models may lead to a shift in user behavior, with traditional search engines facing decreased usage as users turn to AI assistants for quicker and more precise answers.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
There have been discussions regarding the rationale behind Meta's classification of their Llama models as "open source" despite not aligning with the Open Source Definition. Some speculate that this choice may be influenced by the EU AI act, which includes provisions for open source models without strict OSI compliance requirements.
Exploring the EU AI act, available online since July 12, 2024, indicates the evolving landscape of AI regulations and their implications on model development and usage.
In conclusion, the advancements in AI-assisted search-based research signify a significant step towards more efficient and reliable information retrieval, highlighting the transformative potential of AI models in streamlining research processes.
