Comment by dragonwriter
1 day ago
AI alone can't replace a search engine very well at all.
AI with access to a search engine may be present a more useful solution to some problems than a bare search engine, but the AI isn't replacing a search engine it is using one.
The "Deep Research" modes in web-based LLMs are quite useful. They can take a days worth of reading forums and social media sites and compress into about 10 minutes.
For example I found a perfect 4k120Hz capable HDMI switch by using ChatGPTs research mode. It did suggest the generic Chinese random-named ones off Amazon, but there was one brand with an actual website and a history - based in Germany.
I hadn't seen it recommended anywhere on my attempts, but did find it by searching for the brand specifically and found only good reviews. Bought it, love it.
I did say "usually" and it was meant in reference to the use case you originally gave.
Around 30% to 50% of things I used to google for, I now go to ChatGPT for. Often because the available context is better.