The Financial Times recently introduced a new generative AI chatbot named Ask FT that aims to provide answers to questions posed by its subscribers. While the concept of an AI chatbot that can provide curated natural language answers based on decades of published information is intriguing, it is important to note that Ask FT has its limitations.
One key limitation of Ask FT is its inability to provide answers to all types of questions. For example, the chatbot may struggle with queries that require subjective judgment, such as the best recipe for fettucini alfredo. This indicates that the chatbot’s capabilities are restricted to certain types of information retrieval and may not be suitable for all user queries.
Another issue that arises with Ask FT is the potential for inaccuracies in the information provided. During testing, it was found that the chatbot included outdated information in response to a query about the 2024 US presidential election candidates. This demonstrates that Ask FT may not always be reliable in delivering up-to-date and accurate information to users.
Additionally, while the chatbot references the FT articles from which it derives its information and provides the time period of the articles, there may still be inconsistencies in the answers given. For example, the chatbot’s response to questions may not always align with the most recent developments or news events, leading to a lack of real-time accuracy.
Ask FT is currently only available to a limited number of paid subscribers in the FT Professional tier, which caters to business professionals and institutions. This exclusivity may restrict the accessibility of the chatbot to a wider audience, limiting the potential benefits it can offer to a broader user base.
Another point to consider is the chatbot’s reliance on Claude, the large language model developed by Anthropic, as its power source. While this may be effective in generating responses based on FT’s archives, it also introduces a level of dependency on a single model that may limit the chatbot’s adaptability and responsiveness to changing user needs.
In comparison to other AI chatbots in the market, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or Gemini, Ask FT may fall short in terms of its ability to provide accurate and timely information. For instance, the chatbot deployed by the digital outlets owned by the marketing company Foundry, including Macworld, PCWorld, and Tech Advisor, was found to be less reliable in delivering accurate results to user queries.
Overall, while Ask FT represents an innovative step towards leveraging AI technology for information retrieval and response generation, it is essential to recognize its limitations and potential drawbacks. As the chatbot continues to evolve and adapt, it will be crucial for the Financial Times to address issues related to accuracy, accessibility, and reliability to enhance the user experience and maximize the benefits of this new technological development.
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