Bing’s New Multi-Turn Search Makes Finding Answers Easier
▼ Summary
– Microsoft has globally launched a multi-turn search feature within Bing, adding a Copilot search box to the bottom of search results pages.
– The feature allows users to type follow-up queries directly into that box without scrolling back to the top of the page.
– According to Microsoft’s Head of Search, the next query in a conversation will maintain context from the previous search when appropriate.
– Microsoft reported positive user engagement metrics, including gains in sessions per user, following the feature’s initial U.S. launch.
– This rollout is part of a broader industry trend where search engines like Bing and Google are integrating and promoting their AI-powered search tools.
Microsoft has introduced a significant update to its Bing search engine, making it easier for users to find information through a new multi-turn search feature. This tool is now available globally, allowing people to ask follow-up questions directly within the search results page without needing to start over. A dedicated Copilot search box appears at the bottom of the results as you scroll, enabling a more conversational and efficient search experience.
This functionality means that after an initial search, you can type a related question into the Copilot box. The system understands the context from your previous query, so you don’t have to repeat information or scroll back to the top. For instance, if you search for “best hiking trails in Colorado,” you could then ask “which are good for beginners?” right below the results. The feature is designed to keep the conversation flowing naturally.
Jordi Ribas, who leads the Search division at Microsoft, announced the worldwide launch on social media. He noted that the capability was first released in the United States last year and has now been expanded. Ribas emphasized that this approach eliminates the need for users to scroll upwards for a new search, as the next query maintains appropriate context from the earlier interaction.
The company has observed measurable benefits from this update. Internal data shows increases in both user engagement and the number of sessions per person, indicating that people find this multi-turn method valuable. These metrics suggest that the feature is successfully making search interactions more productive and satisfying for those who use Bing.
This move is part of a broader trend where major search platforms are integrating more advanced AI to enhance how people find information. Competitors like Google are also pushing their AI tools, such as AI Overviews, deeper into the search flow to encourage usage. Bing’s global rollout of the Copilot search box, following an extended testing period, represents a strategic effort to make its AI-powered search a more integral and convenient part of the everyday user experience.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
