The Era of AI Search Has Arrived: A Comparison of Google AI Mode and Chinese AI Search Platforms in Technology and Applications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global search engine landscape. Google recently launched its AI Mode search feature, designed to handle complex queries, support multimodal data processing, and deliver a more intelligent search experience. However, for Chinese users, such features may already feel familiar. In China, platforms like Baidu, Metaso (秘塔), Kimi, and Quark (夸克) have long demonstrated advanced applications of AI search, with some even surpassing global competitors in technical capabilities.

Notably, these Chinese platforms have integrated self-developed AI models alongside the DeepSeek-R1 full-capacity model, which excels in "long-form reasoning" and "connected search." These models provide accurate, context-sensitive answers and significantly reduce AI hallucinations (i.e., inaccuracies or inconsistencies in AI-generated results). As AI search becomes mainstream, these technologies are reshaping the search ecosystem and profoundly influencing SEO strategies and traffic distribution. Below, we will explore the features of Google AI Mode, the advancements of Chinese AI search platforms, and the far-reaching implications of AI search on the global market.

 

I. Google AI Mode: Intelligent Search Powered by Gemini 2.0

Google's AI Mode is powered by its latest Gemini 2.0 model, offering a more efficient and intelligent search experience. Key features include:

1. Multistage Reasoning and Comparison Capabilities
   AI Mode can handle layered, cross-domain queries, such as "comparing the sleep-tracking features of different smart devices," and provides structured, actionable answers.
2. Multimodal Support
   Beyond text-based searches, AI Mode supports image and video data processing, delivering richer and more diverse information to users.
3. Context Awareness and Follow-Up Queries
   Users can engage in multi-turn conversations to refine their queries and delve deeper into topics without repeatedly modifying keywords.
4. Real-Time and Connected Search
   Similar to the DeepSeek-R1 model, AI Mode integrates Google’s Knowledge Graph with real-time data sources, enabling it to deliver the latest information—especially useful in dynamic fields such as technology, health, and shopping.

However, Google’s AI Mode is currently limited to beta users in the United States (via Google Search Labs) and has not been fully released. This cautious approach demonstrates Google’s need to balance AI search deployment with its existing ad ecosystem.

II. The Rich Diversity of Chinese AI Search Platforms

Compared to Google's experimental rollout, Chinese AI search platforms have long been integrating AI technologies across various domains, offering mature applications and robust functionality. Below, we examine the capabilities and core features of Baidu, Metaso, Kimi, and Quark AI.

1. Baidu AI Search: Knowledge Integration and Multimodal Applications

As the largest search engine in China, Baidu began integrating generative AI into its search experience in 2023. Its main innovations include:

• Multimodal Search Integrated with Knowledge Graphs
  Baidu AI Search combines text, image, and knowledge graph data to deliver semantically rich and precise answers.
• DeepSeek-R1 Full-Capacity Model Integration
  Baidu leverages DeepSeek-R1 to support long-form reasoning and connected search, excelling in handling complex queries.
• Chat-Based Search Functionality
  Baidu offers a natural language-driven conversational search experience, capable of addressing user needs in real-time.

However, current information does not confirm whether Baidu supports features such as image-generated reports or built-in code-generation tools.

2. Metaso AI Search: Long-Text Processing and Professional Applications

Metaso (秘塔) specializes in professional AI search scenarios, with core strengths that include:

• Long-Text Processing
  By integrating DeepSeek-R1’s reasoning abilities, Metaso can process hundreds of pages of legal documents and generate structured summaries.
• Combination of Private and Online Data
  Users can upload private documents and combine them with online data for in-depth analysis, making Metaso ideal for academic research and legal scenarios.
• Future Multimodal Capabilities
  Plans are underway to support data visualization, enhancing the readability and accessibility of reports.

Application Scenarios:

• Legal Document Analysis: Extract key clauses and logical structures from legal documents, making it highly suitable for lawyers and consultants.
• Financial and Investment Analysis: Combine financial reports and technological advancements to predict stock trends.

3. Kimi: Academic-Grade Context Understanding and Data Traceability

Kimi is a leading AI search platform focused on academic research and professional analysis. Its key features include:

• Long-Context Understanding
  Kimi supports up to 200,000 characters (roughly 2 million tokens) in context processing and can simultaneously handle 50+ documents. Its latest version was successfully tested on 2 million-character-long texts.
• Chain-of-Thought Reasoning
  Kimi combines Chain of Thought (CoT) reasoning with reinforcement learning frameworks, excelling in multimodal tasks such as image analysis.
• Academic Applications
  Kimi facilitates the translation and analysis of professional papers, making it ideal for academic research and technical documentation.

4. Quark AI: Multifunctional Integration and Personalized Intelligent Services

Quark AI is a multifunctional intelligent platform launched by Alibaba’s Quark browser, leveraging self-developed models with over 100 billion parameters. It focuses on improving user efficiency in information retrieval and processing.

Core Features

1. Smart Search and Q&A
   • Quark AI’s “Super Search Box” transcends traditional list-based search results by directly understanding user intent and providing precise answers.
   • It supports solving complex problems (e.g., historical event tracing, logical puzzles like “using 5L and 6L jugs to measure 3L of water”) with clear step-by-step explanations.
2. Smart Content Creation
   • AI Writing: Supports generating diverse content such as news reports, tech analysis, and travel guides.
   • AI PPT Creation: Generates complete PowerPoint presentations based on input topics and templates in seconds.
3. Smart Summarization
   • Document Summaries: Extracts key points from long documents and creates summaries and mind maps.
   • Video Summaries: Analyzes video content from local devices or cloud storage to generate segmented summaries and lecture-style PPTs.

Technical Advantages

• Low Hallucination Rates and High Accuracy
  With strict data validation and manual alignment, Quark AI reduces hallucination rates to 5%, outperforming industry averages.
• Multimodal and Multi-Device Integration
  Quark AI supports seamless integration across mobile, desktop, and tablet devices, enhancing user experience consistency.

Usage Limitations

Currently, Quark AI is available only as an installable app for mobile and desktop devices, with no web-based version.

 

III. Global AI Search Technology Differences and Market Impacts

Comparing Google and Chinese Platforms

Platform	Technical Features	Differentiated Strategies
Google	Hybrid architecture	AI Overview is only triggered for specific queries, as AI Mode is part of a newly launched experimental framework designed to be compatible with the existing ad system.
Baidu	Multimodal search + knowledge graph	Integrates search with intelligent Q&A
Metaso	Long-text processing and summaries	Focuses on professional use cases
Kimi	200,000-character context support	Emphasizes research-grade data traceability
Quark	100B-parameter model + content tools	Highlights personalization and multifunctionality

Chinese platforms have adopted a more aggressive strategy, leveraging regulatory support and technological innovation to drive AI search adoption in professional and educational scenarios.

 

IV. AI Search Reshaping SEO and Traffic Distribution

AI search is reshaping global traffic distribution and SEO strategies:

1. Changes in Traffic Distribution
   • Google’s AI summaries enhance visibility for authoritative sources but may reduce traditional SEO-driven traffic.
   • Chinese platforms’ “direct answer” models minimize user reliance on traditional web pages.
2. Strategies for Content Creators
   • Strengthen structured data markup (e.g., JSON-LD).
   • Use AI-friendly formats (e.g., multi-level headings and data visualizations).
   • Apply for platform certifications (e.g., Baidu’s academic institution accounts).

Conclusion

Google’s AI Mode search represents a milestone in search technology, but Chinese platforms like Baidu, Metaso, Kimi, and Quark have already demonstrated leadership in applying AI search across diverse domains. As AI search continues to evolve, it will reshape user behavior, content distribution, and SEO strategies globally.

Businesses and content creators must adapt to these changes by embracing structured data, optimizing for AI-friendly formats, and leveraging innovative content delivery methods to remain competitive in the AI-driven search era.

 

If you are interested in China Digital Marketing, feel free to contact us by sending us an email ([email protected]) or Call Us at +852 9302 4518.