Yahoo integrates generative AI into its search engine

Yahoo has announced the launch of a new AI-powered search tool called Yahoo Scout. The service is currently available in beta and runs on Claude, an AI model developed by Anthropic.

According to Yahoo, Scout “synthesizes” information from publicly available online sources, as well as the company’s own data and content, to generate answers to natural language search queries. The service interface will feature interactive multimedia elements, structured lists and tables, and visible source links, making it easier for users to verify the accuracy of the information.

Alongside the launch of Scout, Yahoo announced the creation of a unified “intelligent platform” that will be integrated into various Yahoo products. These include AI-powered summaries in Yahoo Mail, a “key insights” section in Yahoo News, and match and event analytics in Yahoo Sports. Scout will also be embedded in Yahoo Shopping to offer product recommendations and purchase links, as well as in Yahoo Finance to display company financials, analyst ratings, and real-time explanations of stock price movements. Over time, Yahoo says the Scout response system will become more personalized, aiming for deeper user engagement.

For comparison, Google began showcasing generative AI capabilities in search back in 2023, with an AI Mode becoming widely available in the US last year. The company has also been actively integrating its AI models across its product ecosystem, including Gmail and online shopping services.