How to Use Bing Chat Features Powered by ChatGPT

Microsoft Bing has integrated exciting new AI chat features powered by ChatGPT. This guide will walk through setting up Bing with Chat, conversing with the AI assistant, and using it alongside normal search.

Introduction to Bing Chat

In February 2023, Microsoft launched Bing Chat – conversational AI capabilities in Bing powered by ChatGPT technology. Key features:

• Accessible by clicking new chat icon in Bing search results.
• Allows back and forth dialogue to refine searches and questions.
• Powered by OpenAI algorithms fine-tuned by Microsoft for search.
• Currently in limited preview – requires joining waitlist for access.

So Bing now provides an interactive way to have an AI conversation around finding information online.

Overview of ChatGPT

For context, ChatGPT is the viral AI chatbot created by Anthropic based on OpenAI research:

• Launched in November 2022 as advanced natural language model.
• Excelled at thoughtful text conversations on wide range of topics.
• Showcased breakthrough capabilities but also clear limitations.
• OpenAI licensed core technology to Microsoft to power Bing Chat features.

So while Microsoft customized the model specifically for search, core ChatGPT foundations enable Bing’s new conversational abilities.

Joining the Bing Chat Waitlist

Since Bing Chat remains in preview, you need to join a waitlist for access:

1. Go to bing.com in any desktop or mobile browser.
2. Look for a prompt inviting you to join the Bing Chat waitlist.
3. Click the prompt and then the “Join waitlist” button.
4. Confirm your region and accept the preview terms.
5. Watch for an email granting access once available.
6. Click the activation link in the email to enable Bing Chat.

Once activated, you can start conversing! Access is granted on a rolling basis as capacity expands.

How to Use Bing Chat in Your Browser

Once granted access, using Bing Chat is simple:

1. Go to bing.com and make sure you’re signed into your Microsoft account.
2. Type any search query into the search bar as normal.
3. Click the new Chat icon that appears in the top right of results.
4. The Bing Chat panel will open. Start conversing with the AI.
5. Discuss and refine your search interactively.

You can go back and forth asking questions, getting definitions, and revising the search topic through natural conversation.

Chatting with Bing Chat on Mobile

On your mobile device:

1. Download the Bing app on your iOS or Android phone.
2. Open the app and make sure you’re signed into your Microsoft account.
3. Conduct a search as normal by typing into the search bar.
4. Tap the Chat icon on the results screen to open the chat panel.
5. Interact conversationally with the AI assistant about your search.

The mobile interface makes it easy to chat on the go using natural language.

Sample Conversations and Prompts for Bing Chat

Here are some examples of helpful ways to converse with Bing’s AI:

• “Find me affordable Mexican restaurants near me” – Local search refinement through chat.
• “What artificial intelligence features does Bing now offer?” – Ask about product capabilities.
• “Compare features of the iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15”- Compare topics and share summaries.
• “What vegetarian recipes can I make with lentils?” – Explore recommendations.
• “Book me a hotel in Las Vegas 2 nights next month under $200 a night” – Task support.

The key is conversing naturally as you would with a person. Let the dialogue guide your search.

Integrating Bing Chat into Your Research Process

Bing Chat excels at augmenting research tasks:

• Start broad – “What are good research paper topics about climate change?”
• Get definitions – “Define carbon sequestration.”
• Summarize context – “Summarize the key causes of climate change.”
• Find pros/cons – “What are the drawbacks of geoengineering solutions for climate change?”
• Suggest sources – “Recommend a few authoritative books about climate policy.”

The AI makes the research process far more efficient.

Comparing Bing Chat to Regular Bing Search

Bing Chat complements rather than replaces normal search:

• Regular Bing remains better for quick fact lookups, definitions, etc.
• Bing Chat allows fluid dialogue for exploring complex searches.
• Bing search gives you more control over exact query syntax.
• Bing Chat lets the AI infer meaning from conversation.
• Regular search has more predictable matching and ranking.
• Chat may uncover unexpected but useful angles through dialogue.

So use each mode for their strengths – simplest queries directly, complex explorations via chat.

Limitations to Be Aware of with Bing Chat

Bing Chat has some key limitations currently:

• Knowledge limited to what can be found on the public web.
• Can sometimes confidently provide wrong or biased information.
• Lacks common sense that humans implicitly use to filter responses.
• Does not build persistent memory about you or topics over time.
• Much more prone to misunderstanding compared to human conversations.
• Limited ability to evaluate the credibility of web sources surfaced.

FAQs About Bing Chat

Is Bing Chat available on all Bing platforms?

Bing Chat is currently available only through the desktop web browser and Bing mobile app, not on Edge or other interfaces yet. Access also requires joining the preview program.

Are there usage limits?

Yes, each Microsoft account can only conduct a limited number of chats per day and session lengths are capped during the preview period.

Does the AI learn about me over time?

No, each chat session starts fresh without any memory or customization based on past conversations. It does not store or learn user data.

Can Bing Chat help me with computer coding questions?

Yes, you can ask programming questions and get explanations of concepts, modules, and more specialized technical topics.

What languages does Bing Chat work in?

So far Bing Chat is available only in English. Support for other languages is expected over time.

Key Takeaways for Using Bing Chat

In summary:

• Join waitlist at bing.com to gain access to AI chat features.
• Open side panel on desktop or mobile app to start conversing.
• Discuss naturally to refine and expand your searches.
• Use for research, recommendations, comparisons, definitions etc.
• View it as augmenting normal search with interactive dialogue.
• Remember it has knowledge and comprehension limits as an early AI.

Conclusion

Bing Chat marks an exciting evolution of integrating conversational AI into search. With thoughtful usage and feedback, systems like Bing and ChatGPT will rapidly improve to make information access more intuitive and empowering. We’ve only scratched the surface of inventing search engines that truly understand human meaning and intent. But tools like Bing Chat move us one conversation closer toward realizing that aspiration.