Yahoo has launched a new artificial intelligence tool called “Scout.” The company said the new offering is designed to compete with Google’s AI Mode, as well as AI-powered search tools from rivals such as Perplexity and ChatGPT’s real-time search feature.
Yahoo said Scout aims to move search beyond traditional blue links by delivering direct, clear answers. The tool converts search terms into natural language queries and focuses on providing responses instead of lists of websites. According to the company, Scout combines its long history in search with unique data and user insights to improve accuracy and relevance.
Scout works by synthesising information from the open web, Yahoo’s own content, and user data. Yahoo said the system is informed by around 500 million user profiles and a knowledge graph that includes over 1 billion entities. This large data foundation allows Scout to generate concise and accurate responses to user questions.
The AI-powered search engine is built to support a wide range of everyday tasks. Users can check weather trends before planning a trip, get updates on important games, track stock price movements after earnings, compare products before making a purchase, or verify facts in a news story. Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone said this beta launch marks an early step, adding that Scout will help users complete online tasks faster across search and Yahoo’s core verticals.
To support Scout, Yahoo has formed key technology partnerships. The company is using Anthropic’s Claude as the main foundational AI model. It is also relying on Bing’s grounding API through its long-standing partnership with Microsoft. Yahoo said this approach ensures Scout’s answers are supported by authoritative sources from the open web.
Scout also introduces new shopping and finance features. The shopping tool summarises insights from expert articles and reviews to quickly compare brands and products, offering shoppable links without opening multiple tabs. The Yahoo Finance feature provides one-click access to real-time company news, analyst ratings, financial data, and earnings calls, with headlines updating every 10 minutes.
Scout is currently available in the US. Users can access it at Scout.Yahoo.com or through the Yahoo Search app on iOS and Android. Yahoo said nearly 250 million users in the US now have access, with more features and personalisation planned in the coming months.
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