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You.com

You.com
Type of site
AI assistant
HeadquartersPalo Alto, California
Founder(s)Richard Socher
Bryan McCann
URLyou.com
LaunchedNovember 9, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-11-09)
Current statusLive

You.com is an AI assistant that began as a personalization-focused search engine.[1] While still offering web search capabilities, You.com has evolved to prioritize a chat-first AI assistant.[2]

The company was founded in 2020 by Richard Socher,[3][4] the former Chief Scientist at Salesforce and third most-cited researcher in Natural Language Processing with over 175,000 citations,[5] and Bryan McCann,[6][7][8][9] a former Lead Research Scientist in NLP at Salesforce. Socher serves as CEO and McCann as CTO.[10][11]

In December 2022, You.com was the first search engine[12] to integrate a consumer-facing Large Language Model (LLM) with real-time internet access for up-to-date responses with citations.[13][14] In February 2023, it was to the first to introduce multimodal AI chat capabilities, providing users with various types of responses, including visual elements like stock charts.[15]

In 2023, Time named Socher to the "TIME100 AI", recognizing "the most influential people in AI".[16] In an interview with Time, Socher expressed You.com's goal of enhancing user productivity and access to information, stating, "to give people answers more quickly, make them more productive, efficient, more well-informed, with better privacy."[17]

History

Following its 2020 founding, You.com opened its public beta on November 9, 2021,[18] and received $20 million in funding led by Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff.[6][19] Other investors include Breyer Capital, Sound Ventures, and Day One Ventures.[20]

The domain You.com was initially purchased in 1996 by Benioff.[10] Benioff invested in You.com and transferred ownership of the You.com domain name to the company.[20] Benioff called You.com "the future of search" in a statement during its public beta launch and said, "We're at a critical inflection point in the internet's history, and we must take steps to restore trust online."[20]

In July 2022, You.com announced its $25 million Series A funding round led by Radical Ventures[21] with participation from Marc Benioff's Time Ventures, Breyer Capital, Norwest Venture Partners and Day One Ventures.[22] By mid-December 2022, You.com shared that it had surpassed one million active users,[23] and the number of searches grew by over 400% in six months.[24]

Features

On December 23, 2022, You.com was the first search engine to launch a ChatGPT-style chatbot with live web results alongside its responses.[25][26][12] Initially known as YouChat,[27] the chatbot was primarily based on the GPT-3.5 large language model and could answer questions, suggest ideas,[28] translate text,[29] summarize articles, compose emails, and write code snippets, while staying up-to-date with current events [12] and citing sources. Several further versions of YouChat were released. The second version, called YouChat 2.0, was released on February 7, 2023,[30][31] incorporated improved conversational AI[32] and community-built applications by blending a large language model named C-A-L (Chat, Apps, and Links).[32][27] This update enabled YouChat to provide results in various formats, such as charts,[33] photos,[34] videos, tables, graphs, text or code, so users can find answers without leaving the search results page. YouChat 3.0, unveiled on May 4, 2023,[35] combined chat functionality with results from Reddit, TikTok, Stack Overflow and Wik.ipedia.Pro.

AI Modes

In 2023, You.com transitioned from a search engine to a chat-first AI assistant, while still offering web search capabilities.[36] You.com introduced AI Modes to offer a tailored interaction experience through its platform. These modes—Smart, Genius, Create, and Research—are designed to address varying user needs, from quick information retrieval to complex problem-solving to research and creative content generation.[2] Within You.com's AI Modes, the Custom Model Selector grants users the flexibility to switch between various leading AI models, such as OpenAI's GPT-4, Anthropic's Claude series, Google's Gemini Pro, and Zephyr.[37]

YouPro

On June 21, 2023, You.com introduced YouPro, a paid subscription service granting unlimited access to its advanced chatbot functionalities.[38] Both free and paid versions of You.com give users access to the internet, unlike other LLMs that have knowledge cutoffs.[37]

AI Tools

Early on,You.com featured AI-powered tools throughout its product experience. In March 2022, the company launched YouWrite, a GPT-3 text generator for writing e-mails and other documents.[39][40] YouWrite[41] is an AI writing tool[42] that aims to help writers,[31] authors, and bloggers overcome writer's block and improve their skills. It can provide assistance with the creation various types of written content[42] including emails, blog posts, novels, essays and social media posts. It uses OpenAI's GPT-3[43] to generate content for users based on information[44] such as text type, target audience and desired tone, provided by users in text prompts.

YouImagine is an artificial intelligence art tool[45] that uses Stable Diffusion.[27][46] It allow users to submit prompts, which are used by AI to generate images.[47]

On July 14, 2022, You.com announced the launch of YouCode,[48] a programming knowledge base, similar to resources like Stack Overflow and GitHub, that aimed to help programmers to find solutions to issues.[33] YouCode had a search bar that used natural language processing, AI code generation tools,[49] code samples, and a collection of relevant resources. It allowed developers to search for code snippets[50][51] and access relevant documentation,[52] and academic publications.[50] There were several built-in developer-specific tools, such as a code editor and a debugging console,[27] tools to verify JSON files,[53][51] and to generate color codes in various formats like HEX, RGB, and HSV.[43]

Reception

In its review of You.com's YouPro service, ZDNet highlighted its cost-effectiveness for accessing diverse large language models from leading tech companies.[37] It praised YouPro for offering unique features such as comprehensive internet access and a Custom Model Selector, enhancing the AI chat experience. ZDNet recommended YouPro for individuals looking to explore advanced AI capabilities affordably, though it noted experiences might vary compared to using models on their native platforms.[37]

You.com was named one of Time's "The Best Inventions of 2022."[54][55]

References

  1. ^ Pierce, David (September 25, 2023). "The AI assistant revolution is more than 50 years in the making". The Verge.
  2. ^ a b Nuñez, Michael (January 25, 2024). "Another search breakthrough? You.com debuts AI that can answer multi-step questions". Venture Beat.
  3. ^ Miller, Ron. "You.com takes aim at Google and Microsoft with multimodal chat search". TechCrunch. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  4. ^ Miller, Ron (December 8, 2020). "Former Salesforce chief scientist announces new search engine to take on Google". TechCrunch. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  5. ^ "Google Scholar, Richard Socher". Google Scholar. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Wiggers, Kyle (November 9, 2021). "AI-driven search engine You.com takes on Google with $20M". VentureBeat. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  7. ^ "Bryan McCann". Google Scholar.
  8. ^ "Your AI Adventure Starts Here, you.com". you.com. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  9. ^ "What is You.com". You.com. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Pardes, Arielle (March 31, 2023). "Search Has Its Goliath. Could Richard Socher Be Its David?". The Information. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  11. ^ "About You.com". about.you.com.
  12. ^ a b c Hachman, Mark. "You.com's AI-infused Google rival provides a tantalizing glimpse of the future". PCWorld.
  13. ^ Miller, Ron (February 15, 2023). "You.com takes aim at Google and Microsoft with multimodal chat search". TechCrunch. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  14. ^ Nuñez, Michael (January 25, 2024). "Another search breakthrough? You.com debuts AI that can answer multi-step questions". Venture Beat.
  15. ^ Miller, Ron (February 15, 2023). "You.com takes aim at Google and Microsoft with multimodal chat search". TechCrunch. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  16. ^ "TIME100 AI". Time Magazine. September 7, 2023.
  17. ^ Chow, Andrew (September 7, 2023). "TIME100 AI Richard Socher CEO and Founder, You.com". Time Magazine.
  18. ^ Robertson, Adi (November 9, 2021). "You.com wants to remake the search engine". The Verge. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  19. ^ Baranouski, Artsiom (January 30, 2024). "Top 10 Salesforce SPQ Alternatives for the North American Market". Medium. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  20. ^ a b c Paresh, Dave (November 9, 2021). "Salesforce CEO Benioff invests in search engine startup You.com". Reuters.
  21. ^ Primack, Dan (July 14, 2022). "You.com raises $25 million to challenge Google's search dominance". Axios. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  22. ^ Wiggers, Kyle (July 14, 2022). "You raises $25M to fuel its AI-powered search engine". TechCrunch. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  23. ^ Newman, Jared. "You.com: This Google alternative combines search with an app store". Fast Company.
  24. ^ Press, Gil. "Want To Experience The Future Of Search? Go To You.com". Forbes.
  25. ^ Kahn, Imad (December 23, 2022). "Search Engine You.com Launches ChatGPT-Style Chatbot, But Don't Trust It Fully Yet". CNET. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  26. ^ Kulp, Patrick (January 24, 2024). "How this early LLM researcher is taking on ChatGPT with his own search engine". Tech Brew.
  27. ^ a b c d Eliaçık, Eray. "You.com's AI-powered features are already in use, unlike Google". Dataconomy.
  28. ^ You.com (May 10, 2023). "Introducing YouChat — The AI Search Assistant that Lives in Your Search Engine". Medium.
  29. ^ Roth, Emma. "Meet the companies trying to keep up with ChatGPT". The Verge.
  30. ^ You.com (May 10, 2023). "Introducing YouChat 2.0 — Unlock the Power of AI with the Search Assistant that Works for You". Medium.
  31. ^ a b Nuñez, Michael. "VentureBeat Q&A: Richard Socher, cofounder and CEO of You.com, says Google is facing a classic innovator's dilemma". VentureBeat.
  32. ^ a b Nuñez, Michael. "You.com challenges Google, Microsoft with launch of 'multimodal conversational AI' in search". VentureBeat.
  33. ^ a b Özergin, Özgürcan. "How to use You.com: YouChat, YouImagine, and more". TechBriefly.
  34. ^ Deutscher, Maria. "You.com debuts multimodal AI chatbot for search". SiliconANGLE.
  35. ^ "YouChat 3.0 is here — Experience the Ultimate Chat Search". You.com. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  36. ^ Pierce, David (September 25, 2023). "The AI assistant revolution is more than 50 years in the making". The Verge.
  37. ^ a b c d Oritz, Sabrina (March 20, 2024). "YouPro lets me access every popular premium AI chatbot for $20/month - but there's a catch". ZDNET.
  38. ^ Press, Gil (June 21, 2023). "You.com Launches Subscription Service For Cutting-Edge Generative AI Search Chatbot". Forbes.
  39. ^ Jain, Osheen (March 17, 2022). "You.com launches YouWrite, an AI-powered writing tool powered by OpenAI". Analytics Drift. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  40. ^ Wiggers, Kyle (March 15, 2022). "You.com launches an AI-powered writing tool powered by OpenAI". VentureBeat. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  41. ^ You.com. "Introducing YouWrite — an AI writing assistant on You.com". Medium.
  42. ^ a b McCracken, Harry. "Search upstart You.com is melding its AI chatbot with mini-apps". Fast Company.
  43. ^ a b Wiggers, Kyle. "You raises $25M to fuel its AI-powered search engine". TechCrunch.
  44. ^ "YOU.com AI is Everything Google, ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Code Writer Plus More". Trenzle.
  45. ^ "You.com: A Comprehensive Review of the Search Engine Powered by AI". Metaroids.
  46. ^ You.com (November 30, 2022). "Make AI Art in seconds. For free. In your search engine". Medium.
  47. ^ Wheatley, Mike. "You.com creates an app store-based search experience to take on Google". SiliconANGLE.
  48. ^ Wiggers, Kyle (July 14, 2022). "You raises $25M to fuel its AI-powered search engine". TechCrunch.
  49. ^ You.com (October 4, 2022). "New AI tools every developer should use in 2022". Medium.
  50. ^ a b Preimesberger, Chris J. "You.com launches open search platform for developers". VentureBeat.
  51. ^ a b "A Search Engine for Software Developers". Tech Smart.
  52. ^ Glen, Stephanie. "Developer search engine for code snippets comes with caveats". TechTarget.
  53. ^ You.com (August 4, 2022). "Why we built the best search engine for coders — Introducing YouCode". Medium.
  54. ^ "The Best Inventions of 2022". Time. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  55. ^ Mullich, Joe (November 10, 2022). "Ad-free Search You.com". Time.
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