DuckDuckGo has introduced a new Instant Answer feature that is fully integrated into its Private Search. This feature uses AI technology to generate brief, anonymous summaries from Wikipedia in order to answer users’ questions. It is the first of several AI-assisted features that the company plans to release in the near future.
How does it work?
DuckAssist scans a specific set of sources, usually Wikipedia and occasionally related sites like Britannica, using DuckDuckGo’s active indexing. Using natural language technology from OpenAI and Anthropic, DuckAssist generates AI-powered summaries to answer search queries. The feature expands how many queries can be directly answered, dubbing the addition of generative AI into the mix as a “fully integrated Instant Answer.”
Benefits of DuckAssist
DuckAssist can help users find answers to their questions faster. The feature is completely free and private, with no sign-up required. The company plans to roll it out to all DuckDuckGo search users in the coming weeks. The AI-powered feature is a welcome addition to the search engine that’s already offering an Instant Answers feature that triggers for certain types of queries and serves answers directly above the usual list of links.
Conclusion
DuckDuckGo’s launch of DuckAssist is a significant move for the search engine as it joins other veteran players like Microsoft and Google in the generative AI trend. DuckAssist uses AI to deliver a summarized answer that’s more directly responsive to the search query. It’s also private, free, and easy to use. The feature’s success in the beta stage may lead to DuckDuckGo expanding the sourcing to incorporate trusted news media and ink partnerships with reference sites, among other improvements.