Some search results on Bing now display "AI-generated stories"

Microsoft is persistently broadening the role of generative AI in its search engine.

Microsoft is adding more AI features to its Bing search engine, going beyond its chat features powered by GPT. As per a recent feature roundup blog post, Bing will now generate AI-based stories for some searches. These stories will present a small multimedia presentation about the topic searched, offering bite-sized information for the user. The story format resembles those found on social media platforms like Snapchat or Instagram, with a progress bar to indicate the slide transition. The slides will display text, images, and videos related to the search, and users can unmute the story to hear the text read out loud, complete with background music.

However, the stories will not appear for every search query, and only a few specific topics such as cubism, tai chi, and impressionism. Microsoft believes that not every search needs a story, and the feature is only applicable when users search for certain topics.

Microsoft has also upgraded the "knowledge cards" that appear on the right side of the search results, with generative AI expanding the richness and breadth of information offered. These cards can include their own stories, as well as elements like timelines related to a country, city, or event's history. Stories and knowledge cards will be available in multiple languages such as English, French, Japanese, German, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, and Arabic.