It's quite interesting what a search engine can be in 2024 when the product isn't the one using it, but the search results themselves.
Kagi with a wayy smaller budget than Google have really managed to make something pretty cool. Still does not replace google for 100% of my searches, but for the ones it does it is remarkably good, and so much less mentally taxing when working on a coding problem. I don't have to on top of everything manually filter search results, I can just click the top link.
"Our data includes anonymized API calls to traditional search indexes like Google, Yandex, Mojeek and Brave, specialized search engines like Marginalia, and sources of vertical information like Wolfram Alpha, Apple, Wikipedia, Open Meteo, Yelp, TripAdvisor and other APIs. Typically every search query on Kagi will call a number of different sources at the same time, all with the purpose of bringing the best possible search results to the user."
Not to mention that they have their own index that they're constantly working to expand:
> But most importantly, we are known for our unique results, coming from our web index (internal name - Teclis) and news index (internal name - TinyGem). Kagi's indexes provide unique results that help you discover non-commercial websites and "small web" discussions surrounding a particular topic. Kagi's Teclis and TinyGem indexes are both available as an API.
The comment I replied to implied that they have their own large index equivalent to Google's and so don't need to use Google. It's not true, and I bet you would find that a very significant portion of the search results come directly from Google queries behind the scenes.
This brings an interesting dilemma. Google could try the Kagi approach.
If you're sitting in the CEO chair at Google, you're looking at a tough decision. Google Search isn't just another product; it's the heart of the business, raking in 60% of the revenue. They've been king of the search hill for over 20 years because they did one thing better than anyone else: search.
Now, with LLMs entering the scene, adding them to search results could slash ad views and revenue. Remember the days when a simple search would send you down a fascinating rabbit hole of articles? Those days could be numbered.
But here's the kicker: if you resist integrating LLMs into Google Search, you might slow down the revenue decline, sure. However, sticking to the old ways might also get you branded a Luddite and cost you your job. It's a classic tech dilemma - innovate or perish.
Kagi with a wayy smaller budget than Google have really managed to make something pretty cool. Still does not replace google for 100% of my searches, but for the ones it does it is remarkably good, and so much less mentally taxing when working on a coding problem. I don't have to on top of everything manually filter search results, I can just click the top link.