TMTPOST -- Qihoo 360 Group, a leading Chinese internet security company, has launched its new AI-powered search app, "Nano Search," which is now available on Apple's App Store and various Android app stores. The app directly competes with other AI search products such as Baidu, Alibaba's Quark, Mita AI, and Perplexity AI.

Based on large language models (LLMs), "Nano Search" is designed to offer a comprehensive search experience that integrates search, reading, writing, and creation capabilities. Its slogan, "Unlock every question, see every detail," highlights the app's promise to "redefine AI search" by making the process lighter, faster, and stronger. It aims to revolutionize the way users interact with search engines by providing a simpler and more intuitive question-and-answer interface.

At the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen earlier this month, 360 Group founder and chairman Zhou Hongyi announced the upcoming launch of this AI search product.

He also said that the company was soliciting ideas for a new name for the product. Zhou stated that traditional search engines suffer from two major issues: keyword mismatches that lead to significant result deviations and the uneven quality of search information.

He also pointed out that large models, although powerful, have high entry barriers for average users, who must learn complex prompts and conversation techniques. In contrast, 360 AI Search, driven by a large model, promises to break through these barriers, offering an easy-to-use, low-threshold experience, making it an ideal case for AI transformation.

"Nano Search" supports a variety of search methods, including text, voice, image, and video, offering users detailed answers that cover everything from identifying people and objects to solving problems and providing travel guides. Additionally, it can access the capabilities of 16 major large models, including Duba, Wenxin Yiyan, and others, offering a range of intelligent tools for writing, analysis, translation, and travel planning.

With the launch of "Nano Search," 360 is set to compete head-to-head with Baidu in a search engine battle reminiscent of their rivalry from over a decade ago. This time, both companies are entering the realm of "AI Search."

In April 2023, Zhou shared 360's AI development strategy, which involves a "dual-wing" approach: one wing focuses on developing its own generative large language model engine, while the other focuses on product development and deploying related services.

Zhou highlighted that 360 is committed to launching China’s first AI search engine and is working on AI personal assistant products based on search scenarios. These innovations aim to disrupt traditional search models and provide users with a smarter and more convenient search experience.

On the user side, 360 has adopted a model similar to Microsoft's "New Bing," integrating its 360GPT product matrix, "360 Brain," into the search scene to launch a new generation of intelligent search engines. The company is currently conducting private tests with enterprise clients and plans to roll out AI browsers and personal assistant products.

Meanwhile, 360 will open an AI store, integrating a range of AI tools for tasks such as image generation, writing, and audio production.

In September 2023, 360's self-developed cognitive general-purpose model, "360 Brain," was approved for registration and fully integrated into 360 Search and 360 Browser. By the end of the year, 360’s "Qi Yuan" large model was also registered. With this, 360 became the first tech company in China to have two large models officially approved.

The company reported that "360 Brain" attracted three million users in the first week, generating more than 50 million interactions. According to Zhang Xiangzheng, the president of 360 Brain, its performance exceeded that of GPT-3.5, placing it among the top tier of domestic large models.

As the AI wave continues, 360 aims to enhance its search capabilities and strengthen its technology and product "moat." According to Statcounter, as of December 2023, Baidu held the largest share of the search engine market in China, with 66.52%, followed by Bing's domestic version at 13.32%. 360 Search ranked third, with a market share of 6.43%, surpassing Tencent's Sogou at 5.01%.

The main theme of 2023 was how to develop large language models, while 2024's theme is how to utilize LLMs, said Zhou in January 2023. He believes that AI will transform global technology, and in this rapidly changing era, companies must keep up with the times or risk being left behind.