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| net_income = {{USD|-140.159}} million (2020)
| net_income = {{USD|-140.159}} million (2020)
| num_employees = 3,000
| num_employees = 3,000
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.sogou.com|sogou.com}},
| homepage = {{Official URL}}
| owner = [[Tencent]] (38.4%)<br />[[Sohu]] (33.2%)
| owner = [[Tencent]] (38.4%)<br />[[Sohu]] (33.2%)
}}
}}
[[File:Tencent Beijing Office (20220503093228).jpg|thumb|Sogou is currently headquartered in Tencent Beijing office]]
[[File:Tencent Beijing Office (20220503093228).jpg|thumb|Sogou is currently headquartered in Tencent Beijing office]]
'''Sogou, Inc.''' ({{zh|s={{linktext|搜|狗}}|p=Sōugǒu|l=Search-dog}}) is a Chinese technology company that offers a [[search engine]]. It is a [[subsidiary]] of [[Tencent]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=15 October 2021|title=Sogou founder Wang Xiaochuan steps down as CEO following acquisition by Tencent|website=KrASIA|url=https://kr-asia.com/sogou-founder-wang-xiaochuan-steps-down-as-ceo-following-acquisition-by-tencent|access-date=2021-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105151458/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-31/sohu-surges-as-its-chinese-search-engine-prepares-u-s-ipo|archive-date=2017-11-05}}</ref>
'''Sogou, Inc.''' ({{zh|s={{linktext|搜|狗}}|p=Sōugǒu|l=Search-dog}}) is a Chinese technology company and [[subsidiary]] of [[Tencent]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=15 October 2021|title=Sogou founder Wang Xiaochuan steps down as CEO following acquisition by Tencent|website=KrASIA|url=https://kr-asia.com/sogou-founder-wang-xiaochuan-steps-down-as-ceo-following-acquisition-by-tencent|access-date=2021-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105151458/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-31/sohu-surges-as-its-chinese-search-engine-prepares-u-s-ipo|archive-date=2017-11-05}}</ref>


The offices of Sogou are located on the southeast corner of [[Tsinghua University]] in [[Beijing]]. Sogou also has offices in [[Chengdu]] co-located with Tencent's office building. In April 2018, Sogou established a R&D center in [[Guangzhou]].
The offices of Sogou are located in [[Beijing]] on the southeast corner of [[Tsinghua University]]. Sogou also has offices in [[Chengdu]], co-located within Tencent's office building. In April 2018, Sogou established a R&D center in [[Guangzhou]].


== History ==
== History ==
[[Wang Xiaochuan]] was hired by Sohu.com after graduation from Tsinghua University to create a new [[search engine]]. He continued to lead a small team of students from nearby Tsinghua University to develop the new search engine. The Sogou search engine was launched on August 3, 2004 and operated as a separate division within Sohu. In 2006, Sogou invented Sogou Pinyin, the eventual dominant input platform used in China for both desktop PC and mobile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search Engine Scuffles: Why lightweight Sogou is still an Important Player - CKGSB |url=https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/knowledges/search-engine-scuffles-sogou/ |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=english.ckgsb.edu.cn}}</ref> In 2007, Sogou established a search curriculum with Tsinghua University to recruit future engineers and stimulate development. Wang Xiaochuan is known as the "Goalie of the East Gate" for the relentless recruitment from Tsinghua.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} In 2008, Sogou launched the Sogou Browser.
[[Wang Xiaochuan]] was hired by Sohu.com after graduation from Tsinghua University to create a new [[search engine]]. He continued to lead a small team of students from nearby Tsinghua University to develop the new search engine. The Sogou search engine was launched on August 3, 2004, and operated as a separate division within Sohu. In 2006, Sogou invented Sogou Pinyin, the eventual dominant input platform used in China for both desktop PC and mobile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search Engine Scuffles: Why lightweight Sogou is still an Important Player - CKGSB |url=https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/knowledges/search-engine-scuffles-sogou/ |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=english.ckgsb.edu.cn}}</ref> In 2007, Sogou established a search curriculum with Tsinghua University to recruit future engineers and stimulate development. Wang Xiaochuan is known as the "Goalie of the East Gate" for the relentless recruitment from Tsinghua.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} In 2008, Sogou launched the Sogou Browser.


By 2010, search revenue share was under 1%. Wang Xiaochuan flew to meet [[Jack Ma]], founder of [[Alibaba Group|Alibaba.com]] and convinced him of an equity investment. In return, Sohu.com agreed to spin Sogou from a separate division to an independent company, with a separate P&L line. [[Pre-IPO]] stock options were granted to employees for the first time.
By 2010, search revenue share was under 1%. Wang Xiaochuan flew to meet [[Jack Ma]], founder of [[Alibaba Group|Alibaba.com]] and convinced him of an equity investment. In return, Sohu.com agreed to spin Sogou from a separate division to an independent company, with a separate P&L line. [[Pre-IPO]] stock options were granted to employees for the first time.


By 2012, growth had risen by over 300% and Sohu.com purchased shares back from Jack Ma. It started to seek out new partnerships by 2013. Wang Xiaochuan met with [[Ma Huateng|Pony Ma]], CEO of Tencent, and convinced him of a merger. The search engine [[Soso (search engine)|SoSo.com]] merged with Sogou and an equity investment of $448M was made. By 2014, Sogou became the default search engine for [[Tencent QQ|QQ.com]]. Also in 2014, Sogou became the only search engine to be able to search [[WeChat]] public accounts. By early 2015, Sogou became profitable.
By 2012, growth had risen by over 300% and Sohu.com purchased shares back from Jack Ma. It started to seek out new partnerships by 2013. Wang Xiaochuan met with [[Ma Huateng|Pony Ma]], CEO of Tencent, and convinced him of a merger. The search engine [[Soso (search engine)|SoSo.com]] merged with Sogou and an equity investment of US$448 million was made. By 2014, Sogou became the default search engine for [[Tencent QQ|QQ.com]]. Also in 2014, Sogou became the only search engine to be able to search [[WeChat]] public accounts. By early 2015, Sogou became profitable.


Sogou debuted on [[New York Stock Exchange]] on 9 November 2017, under the ticker "SOGO".<ref>{{Citation | url = https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/09/chinese-search-engine-sogou-up-4-following-ipo/ | title =Chinese search engine Sogou up 4% following IPO| newspaper =TechCrunch| date = 9 November 2017 }}</ref> The IPO raised 585 million USD offering in a bid to accelerate the use of [[Artificial intelligence]] in its business.<ref>{{Citation|title=With eye on AI, Sougou debuts on New York Stock Exchange|date=10 November 2017|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/tech/2017-11/10/content_34353852.htm|newspaper=China Daily}}</ref> In 2018, Sogou reported net sales of 1.1 billion USD, a net income of 98 million USD, and reported over 1 billion USD in cash. Their annual growth rate was 24% over the previous year. In late July 2020, Chinese technology company Tencent made a 2.1 billion USD bid to buy Sogou, with the decision to accept and regulatory permissions still pending.<ref>{{Citation|title=Tencent Aims To Bolster Search Business With Proposed Sogou Buyout | date=27 July 2020 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ywang/2020/07/27/tencent-aims-to-bolster-search-business-with-proposed-sogou-buyout/#282b19784924}}</ref>
Sogou debuted on [[New York Stock Exchange]] on 9 November 2017, under the ticker "SOGO".<ref>{{Citation | url = https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/09/chinese-search-engine-sogou-up-4-following-ipo/ | title =Chinese search engine Sogou up 4% following IPO| newspaper =TechCrunch| date = 9 November 2017 }}</ref> The IPO raised $585 million offering in a bid to accelerate the use of [[Artificial intelligence]] in its business.<ref>{{Citation|title=With eye on AI, Sougou debuts on New York Stock Exchange|date=10 November 2017|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/tech/2017-11/10/content_34353852.htm|newspaper=China Daily}}</ref> In 2018, Sogou reported net sales of $1.1 billion, a net income of $98 million, and reported over $1 billion in cash. Their annual growth rate was 24% over the previous year. In late July 2020, Chinese technology company Tencent made a $2.1 billion bid to buy Sogou, with the decision to accept and regulatory permissions still pending.<ref>{{Citation|title=Tencent Aims To Bolster Search Business With Proposed Sogou Buyout | date=27 July 2020 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ywang/2020/07/27/tencent-aims-to-bolster-search-business-with-proposed-sogou-buyout/#282b19784924}}</ref>

In contrast with 2010, when Sogou was spun off into an independent company, sales have grown from 18.6 million USD annually to 1.1B USD in 2018.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}


According to iResearch statistics, Sogou accounted for 16.7% of the mobile search market share in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fonow.com/news/194506.html |title=Sogou prospectus summary: according to MAU calculated for China's fourth largest Internet company_China IT News |website=www.fonow.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105232036/http://www.fonow.com/news/194506.html |archive-date=2017-11-05}} </ref>
According to iResearch statistics, Sogou accounted for 16.7% of the mobile search market share in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fonow.com/news/194506.html |title=Sogou prospectus summary: according to MAU calculated for China's fourth largest Internet company_China IT News |website=www.fonow.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105232036/http://www.fonow.com/news/194506.html |archive-date=2017-11-05}} </ref>



==Products==
==Products==
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| caption = Website screenshot
| caption = Website screenshot
| url = {{URL|https://sogou.com}}
| url = {{URL|https://sogou.com}}
| commercial = yes
| commercial = Yes
| language = [[Chinese language|Chinese]]
| language = [[Chinese language|Chinese]]
| num_users = 560 million
| num_users = 560 million
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Sogou's web application products are designed to classify online information, such as music, picture, video clip, news, map and vertical information. As of 2017, it has an index of 10 billion pages. As of 2018, over 90% of the company's revenues are from search advertising.
Sogou's web application products are designed to classify online information, such as music, picture, video clip, news, map and vertical information. As of 2017, it has an index of 10 billion pages. As of 2018, over 90% of the company's revenues are from search advertising.


In October 2017, Sogou began testing a general search engine within [[WeChat]], which would allow all 902 million daily active users to access the internet within the app. Since 2013, Sogou has only been able to search and index the contents of WeChat official accounts. On the first quarter conference call, 2018, Sogou provided an update, resulting in a 30% improvement in click through rate. In September 2018, Sogou disclosed an annual agreement with Tencent to continue the search integration experiment until 2023, with annual renewals. In the same filing, Sogou has designated the default search engine for Tencent's QQ products.
In October 2017, Sogou began testing a general search engine within [[WeChat]], which would allow users to access the internet within the app. Since 2013, Sogou has only been able to search and index the contents of WeChat official accounts. On the first quarter conference call, 2018, Sogou provided an update, resulting in a 30% improvement in click through rate. In September 2018, Sogou disclosed an annual agreement with Tencent to continue the search integration experiment until 2023, with annual renewals. In the same filing, Sogou has designated the default search engine for Tencent's QQ products.


===Sogou Input Method===
===Sogou Input Method===
{{main|Sogou Pinyin}}
{{main|Sogou Pinyin}}
Initially released in 2006, [[Sogou Pinyin]] is the most popular Chinese input software in China{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}. It makes use of its search engine technique which are the analysis and categorization of the most popular words or phrases on the Internet. In 2007, Sogou won a patent infringement case against [[Google]] for copying their IME. IME data gives companies large amounts of keystroke history to improve search result accuracy.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}
Initially released in 2006, [[Sogou Pinyin]] makes use of its search engine technique which are the analysis and categorization of the most popular words or phrases on the Internet. In 2007, Sogou won a patent infringement case against [[Google]] for copying their IME.


=== Sogou Browser ===
=== Sogou Browser ===
Launched in December 2008, the [[Sogou browser]] adopts a "dual-core" ([[Google Chrome]]'s [[WebKit]] and [[Internet Explorer]]'s [[Trident (layout engine)|Trident]] [[Browser engine|layout engine]]s) techniques and it connects to the cloud to 'recognize malicious websites and [[Malware|software]]'. According to statcounter (November 2019), Sogou's desktop browser holds a 1.6% market share in China, and is ranked the #7 desktop browser used in China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share/all/china|title=Browser Market Share China}}</ref>
Launched in December 2008, the Sogou browser adopts a "dual-core" ([[Google Chrome]]'s [[WebKit]] and [[Internet Explorer]]'s [[Trident (layout engine)|Trident]] [[Browser engine|layout engine]]s) technique and it connects to the cloud to 'recognize malicious websites and [[Malware|software]]'. According to Statcounter (November 2019), Sogou's desktop browser holds a 1.6% market share in China and is ranked the #7 desktop browser used in China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share/all/china|title=Browser Market Share China}}</ref>


=== Sogou Voice Recognition Technology ===
=== Sogou Voice Recognition Technology ===
Sogou has been developing voice recognition technology since 2011. At the World Internet Conference in November 2016, CEO Wang Xiaochuan demonstrated a [[voice translation]] in both Chinese and English translation with up to 95% accuracy.{{Dubious|date=January 2022}}<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/3rdWuzhenWorldInternetConference/2016-11/19/content_27428750.htm | title=Chinese tech firms on AI push | date=19 November 2016 | work=China Daily | agency=Xinhua | access-date=29 November 2019 }}</ref> There has been a rush to partner with manufacturers in connecting devices to the internet between competitors. Sogou is currently China's largest search engine by voice,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xuehua.us/2018/06/30/sogou-doubles-down-on-ai-with-launch-of-real-time-devices/|title=Sogou doubles down on AI with launch of real-time devices - 雪花新闻}}</ref> as the country moves from desktop to mobile search.
Sogou has been developing voice recognition technology since 2011. At the World Internet Conference in November 2016, CEO Wang Xiaochuan demonstrated a [[voice translation]] in both Chinese and English translation with up to 95% accuracy.{{Dubious|date=January 2022}}<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/3rdWuzhenWorldInternetConference/2016-11/19/content_27428750.htm | title=Chinese tech firms on AI push | date=19 November 2016 | work=China Daily | agency=Xinhua | access-date=29 November 2019 }}</ref> There has been a rush to partner with manufacturers in connecting devices to the internet between competitors. Sogou is currently China's largest search engine by voice.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xuehua.us/2018/06/30/sogou-doubles-down-on-ai-with-launch-of-real-time-devices/|title=Sogou doubles down on AI with launch of real-time devices - 雪花新闻}}</ref>


=== Hardware Products ===
=== Hardware Products ===
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=== Sogou Lip Recognition Technology ===
=== Sogou Lip Recognition Technology ===
On 15 December 2017, Sogou debuted a lip reading program that can operate at up to 90% accuracy{{Dubious|date=January 2022}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/sogou-unveils-90-accurate-ai-lip-reading-system-aid-deaf-police |title=Sogou Unveils 90% Accurate AI Lip Reading System to Aid Deaf, Police {{!}} Yicai Global |website=www.yicaiglobal.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181052/https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/sogou-unveils-90-accurate-ai-lip-reading-system-aid-deaf-police |archive-date=2018-01-09}} </ref>
On 15 December 2017, Sogou debuted a lip-reading program that can operate at up to 90% accuracy.{{Dubious|date=January 2022}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/sogou-unveils-90-accurate-ai-lip-reading-system-aid-deaf-police |title=Sogou Unveils 90% Accurate AI Lip Reading System to Aid Deaf, Police {{!}} Yicai Global |website=www.yicaiglobal.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181052/https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/sogou-unveils-90-accurate-ai-lip-reading-system-aid-deaf-police |archive-date=2018-01-09}} </ref>


=== Partnership with Microsoft Bing ===
=== Partnership with Microsoft Bing ===
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=== Partnership with Tsinghua University ===
=== Partnership with Tsinghua University ===
In 2016, Sogou donated $30 million to [[Tsinghua University]] in a joint partnership to build an Artificial Intelligence Institute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cs.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/csen/4894/2017/20170414165140339237933/20170414165140339237933_.html |title=Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University |website=www.cs.tsinghua.edu.cn |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109180923/http://www.cs.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/csen/4894/2017/20170414165140339237933/20170414165140339237933_.html |archive-date=2018-01-09}} </ref> It currently supports the Sogou Search Engine Technology Joint Laboratory at Tsinghua University. Located on the edge of the campus of Tsinghua University, Sogou recruits and partners to train students in China. Since 2015, Tsinghua has been [[Tsinghua University|ranked]] as the best [[engineering]] and [[computer science]] school in the world based on factors including total research output and performance.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}
In 2016, Sogou donated $30 million to [[Tsinghua University]] in a joint partnership to build an Artificial Intelligence Institute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cs.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/csen/4894/2017/20170414165140339237933/20170414165140339237933_.html |title=Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University |website=www.cs.tsinghua.edu.cn |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109180923/http://www.cs.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/csen/4894/2017/20170414165140339237933/20170414165140339237933_.html |archive-date=2018-01-09}} </ref> It currently supports the Sogou Search Engine Technology Joint Laboratory at Tsinghua University. Located on the edge of the campus of Tsinghua University, Sogou recruits and partners to train students in China.


According to the prospectus, Sogou owns 100% of Chengdu Easypay, a financial technology company specializing in micro loans. As of April 2018, Sogou is still awaiting Government approval to operate in the country. According to the company address, it is located on the 13th floor of Tencent's building in Chengdu in the 'High-tech zone'.
According to the prospectus, Sogou owns 100% of Chengdu Easypay, a financial technology company specializing in micro loans. As of April 2018, Sogou is still awaiting Government approval to operate within China. According to the company address, it is located on the 13th floor of Tencent's building in Chengdu in the 'High-tech zone'.


=== Partnership with Tobii Dynavox ===
=== Partnership with Tobii Dynavox ===
In 2022, Sogou partners with Tobii Dynavox to empower people with disabilities in China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.cision.com/tobii-dynavox/r/tobii-dynavox-partners-with-tencent-s-sogou-to-empower-people-with-disabilities-in-china,c3492675|title=Tobii Dynavox partners with Tencent’s Sogou to empower people with disabilities in China · Cision|date=26 January 2022}}</ref>
In 2022, Sogou partners with Tobii Dynavox to sell devices which aid in communication to people with disabilities in China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.cision.com/tobii-dynavox/r/tobii-dynavox-partners-with-tencent-s-sogou-to-empower-people-with-disabilities-in-china,c3492675|title=Tobii Dynavox partners with Tencent's Sogou to empower people with disabilities in China · Cision|date=26 January 2022}}</ref>

=== Partnership with Xinhua News Agency ===
In 2018, Sogou partnered with [[Xinhua News Agency]] to launch an [[artificial intelligence]]-generated news anchor.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Milmo |first1=Dan |last2=Hawkins |first2=Amy |date=2024-05-18 |title=How China is using AI news anchors to deliver its propaganda |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/may/18/how-china-is-using-ai-news-anchors-to-deliver-its-propaganda |access-date=2024-05-19 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kuo |first=Lily |date=2018-11-09 |title=World's first AI news anchor unveiled in China |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/09/worlds-first-ai-news-anchor-unveiled-in-china |access-date=2024-05-19 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Steger |first=Isabella |date=2019-02-20 |title=Chinese state media's latest innovation is an AI female news anchor |url=https://qz.com/1554471/chinas-xinhua-launches-worlds-first-ai-female-news-anchor |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Investments==
==Investments==
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=== Zhihu.com ===
=== Zhihu.com ===
Along with Tencent, Sogou participated in rounds C and D on [[Zhihu]].com. According to Sogou's IPO prospectus, their investment in Round C in 2015 was 4.8% of Zhihu. The Round D funding contribution was undisclosed, but valued Zhihu at $900m.
Along with Tencent, Sogou participated in rounds C and D on [[Zhihu]].com. According to Sogou's IPO prospectus, their investment in Round C in 2015 was 4.8% of Zhihu. The Round D funding contribution was undisclosed, but valued Zhihu at $900 million.


In 2014, Sogou launched Zhihu search<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://technode.com/2016/05/23/sogou-bing/|title=Sogou Buddies up with Microsoft's Bing to Power English Search · TechNode|date=22 May 2016}}</ref> and is also the default search engine on Zhihu.
In 2014, Sogou launched Zhihu search<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://technode.com/2016/05/23/sogou-bing/|title=Sogou Buddies up with Microsoft's Bing to Power English Search · TechNode|date=22 May 2016}}</ref> and is also the default search engine on Zhihu.


=== Snack Videos ===
=== Snack Videos ===
In August 2018, Sogou led seed funding for Snack Videos (SnackV.com).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/snack-launches-way-learn-better-140000914.html|title=Snack Launches a New Way to Learn, Better Serving Our Busy Lives|website=finance.yahoo.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-10}}</ref> Based in Seattle, Snack is an AI-driven [[Mobile-learning|mobile learning]] app that delivers short-form videos.
In August 2018, Sogou led seed funding for Snack Videos (SnackV.com).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/snack-launches-way-learn-better-140000914.html|title=Snack Launches a New Way to Learn, Better Serving Our Busy Lives|website=finance.yahoo.com|date=24 September 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-10}}</ref> Based in Seattle, Snack is an AI-driven [[Mobile-learning|mobile learning]] app designed for short-form videos.


==See also==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Internet
[[Petal Search]]
}}

* [[List of search engines]]
* [[Search engine]]
* [[Comparison of web search engines|Comparison of search engines]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|https://sogou.com}}
*{{Official website}}



{{Tencent}}
{{Tencent}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sogou.com}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sogou.com}}
[[Category:Tencent divisions and subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Tencent divisions and subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Tencent acquisitions]]
[[Category:Sohu]]
[[Category:Sohu]]
[[Category:Internet search engines]]
[[Category:Internet search engines]]

Latest revision as of 19:54, 19 September 2024

For the Japanese department store, see Sogo.

Sogou, Inc.
搜狗公司
Type of site
Private company
Founded9 August 2010; 14 years ago (2010-08-09)
HeadquartersBeijing, China
OwnerTencent (38.4%)
Sohu (33.2%)
Created byWang Xiaochuan (CEO)
IndustryInternet
RevenueUS$924.664 million (2020)
Operating incomeUS$−108.221 million (2020)
Net incomeUS$−140.159 million (2020)
Employees3,000
URLwww.sogou.com Edit this at Wikidata
Sogou is currently headquartered in Tencent Beijing office

Sogou, Inc. (Chinese: 搜狗; pinyin: Sōugǒu; lit. 'Search-dog') is a Chinese technology company and subsidiary of Tencent.[1]

The offices of Sogou are located in Beijing on the southeast corner of Tsinghua University. Sogou also has offices in Chengdu, co-located within Tencent's office building. In April 2018, Sogou established a R&D center in Guangzhou.

History

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Wang Xiaochuan was hired by Sohu.com after graduation from Tsinghua University to create a new search engine. He continued to lead a small team of students from nearby Tsinghua University to develop the new search engine. The Sogou search engine was launched on August 3, 2004, and operated as a separate division within Sohu. In 2006, Sogou invented Sogou Pinyin, the eventual dominant input platform used in China for both desktop PC and mobile.[2] In 2007, Sogou established a search curriculum with Tsinghua University to recruit future engineers and stimulate development. Wang Xiaochuan is known as the "Goalie of the East Gate" for the relentless recruitment from Tsinghua.[citation needed] In 2008, Sogou launched the Sogou Browser.

By 2010, search revenue share was under 1%. Wang Xiaochuan flew to meet Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba.com and convinced him of an equity investment. In return, Sohu.com agreed to spin Sogou from a separate division to an independent company, with a separate P&L line. Pre-IPO stock options were granted to employees for the first time.

By 2012, growth had risen by over 300% and Sohu.com purchased shares back from Jack Ma. It started to seek out new partnerships by 2013. Wang Xiaochuan met with Pony Ma, CEO of Tencent, and convinced him of a merger. The search engine SoSo.com merged with Sogou and an equity investment of US$448 million was made. By 2014, Sogou became the default search engine for QQ.com. Also in 2014, Sogou became the only search engine to be able to search WeChat public accounts. By early 2015, Sogou became profitable.

Sogou debuted on New York Stock Exchange on 9 November 2017, under the ticker "SOGO".[3] The IPO raised $585 million offering in a bid to accelerate the use of Artificial intelligence in its business.[4] In 2018, Sogou reported net sales of $1.1 billion, a net income of $98 million, and reported over $1 billion in cash. Their annual growth rate was 24% over the previous year. In late July 2020, Chinese technology company Tencent made a $2.1 billion bid to buy Sogou, with the decision to accept and regulatory permissions still pending.[5]

According to iResearch statistics, Sogou accounted for 16.7% of the mobile search market share in China.[6]

Products

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Sogou
搜狗
Available inChinese
URLsogou.com
CommercialYes
Users560 million
Launched3 August 2004; 20 years ago (2004-08-03)
Current statusActive

Search engine and web applications

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Sogou's web application products are designed to classify online information, such as music, picture, video clip, news, map and vertical information. As of 2017, it has an index of 10 billion pages. As of 2018, over 90% of the company's revenues are from search advertising.

In October 2017, Sogou began testing a general search engine within WeChat, which would allow users to access the internet within the app. Since 2013, Sogou has only been able to search and index the contents of WeChat official accounts. On the first quarter conference call, 2018, Sogou provided an update, resulting in a 30% improvement in click through rate. In September 2018, Sogou disclosed an annual agreement with Tencent to continue the search integration experiment until 2023, with annual renewals. In the same filing, Sogou has designated the default search engine for Tencent's QQ products.

Sogou Input Method

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Main article: Sogou Pinyin

Initially released in 2006, Sogou Pinyin makes use of its search engine technique which are the analysis and categorization of the most popular words or phrases on the Internet. In 2007, Sogou won a patent infringement case against Google for copying their IME.

Sogou Browser

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Launched in December 2008, the Sogou browser adopts a "dual-core" (Google Chrome's WebKit and Internet Explorer's Trident layout engines) technique and it connects to the cloud to 'recognize malicious websites and software'. According to Statcounter (November 2019), Sogou's desktop browser holds a 1.6% market share in China and is ranked the #7 desktop browser used in China.[7]

Sogou Voice Recognition Technology

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Sogou has been developing voice recognition technology since 2011. At the World Internet Conference in November 2016, CEO Wang Xiaochuan demonstrated a voice translation in both Chinese and English translation with up to 95% accuracy.[dubious – discuss][8] There has been a rush to partner with manufacturers in connecting devices to the internet between competitors. Sogou is currently China's largest search engine by voice.[9]

Hardware Products

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In 2017, Sogou through their Internet of Things subsidiary, sold over 1 million smartwatches in China. The GPS positioning smartwatch focuses on the child market.

On 22 March 2018, Sogou launched the Travel Translator and Travel Pen, which sold out on the first day.[10] The company estimates it will exceed the sales of its smartwatches.

Sogou Lip Recognition Technology

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On 15 December 2017, Sogou debuted a lip-reading program that can operate at up to 90% accuracy.[dubious – discuss][11]

Partnership with Microsoft Bing

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In May 2016, Sogou partnered with Microsoft to use Bing to search for English results, and then get the result translated back into Chinese.[12]

Partnership with Tsinghua University

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In 2016, Sogou donated $30 million to Tsinghua University in a joint partnership to build an Artificial Intelligence Institute.[13] It currently supports the Sogou Search Engine Technology Joint Laboratory at Tsinghua University. Located on the edge of the campus of Tsinghua University, Sogou recruits and partners to train students in China.

According to the prospectus, Sogou owns 100% of Chengdu Easypay, a financial technology company specializing in micro loans. As of April 2018, Sogou is still awaiting Government approval to operate within China. According to the company address, it is located on the 13th floor of Tencent's building in Chengdu in the 'High-tech zone'.

Partnership with Tobii Dynavox

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In 2022, Sogou partners with Tobii Dynavox to sell devices which aid in communication to people with disabilities in China.[14]

Partnership with Xinhua News Agency

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In 2018, Sogou partnered with Xinhua News Agency to launch an artificial intelligence-generated news anchor.[15][16][17]

Investments

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Typany

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In 2018, Sogou has expanded the global presence of their other keyboard app, Typany, of which they own 100% of the company. To date, the app works in over 100 languages. The app focuses on the voice recognition and language recognition market.

Zhihu.com

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Along with Tencent, Sogou participated in rounds C and D on Zhihu.com. According to Sogou's IPO prospectus, their investment in Round C in 2015 was 4.8% of Zhihu. The Round D funding contribution was undisclosed, but valued Zhihu at $900 million.

In 2014, Sogou launched Zhihu search[18] and is also the default search engine on Zhihu.

Snack Videos

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In August 2018, Sogou led seed funding for Snack Videos (SnackV.com).[19] Based in Seattle, Snack is an AI-driven mobile learning app designed for short-form videos.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Sogou founder Wang Xiaochuan steps down as CEO following acquisition by Tencent". KrASIA. 15 October 2021. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  2. ^ "Search Engine Scuffles: Why lightweight Sogou is still an Important Player - CKGSB". english.ckgsb.edu.cn. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  3. ^ "Chinese search engine Sogou up 4% following IPO", TechCrunch, 9 November 2017
  4. ^ "With eye on AI, Sougou debuts on New York Stock Exchange", China Daily, 10 November 2017
  5. ^ Tencent Aims To Bolster Search Business With Proposed Sogou Buyout, 27 July 2020
  6. ^ "Sogou prospectus summary: according to MAU calculated for China's fourth largest Internet company_China IT News". www.fonow.com. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017.
  7. ^ "Browser Market Share China".
  8. ^ "Chinese tech firms on AI push". China Daily. Xinhua. 19 November 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
  9. ^ "Sogou doubles down on AI with launch of real-time devices - 雪花新闻".
  10. ^ "Search engine developer Sogou launches AI-powered travel translator-The First World Hotel Hangzhou-Tourism News".
  11. ^ "Sogou Unveils 90% Accurate AI Lip Reading System to Aid Deaf, Police | Yicai Global". www.yicaiglobal.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018.
  12. ^ "Sogou Buddies up with Microsoft's Bing to Power English Search · TechNode". 22 May 2016.
  13. ^ "Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University". www.cs.tsinghua.edu.cn. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018.
  14. ^ "Tobii Dynavox partners with Tencent's Sogou to empower people with disabilities in China · Cision". 26 January 2022.
  15. ^ Milmo, Dan; Hawkins, Amy (18 May 2024). "How China is using AI news anchors to deliver its propaganda". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  16. ^ Kuo, Lily (9 November 2018). "World's first AI news anchor unveiled in China". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  17. ^ Steger, Isabella (20 February 2019). "Chinese state media's latest innovation is an AI female news anchor". Quartz. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Sogou Buddies up with Microsoft's Bing to Power English Search · TechNode". 22 May 2016.
  19. ^ "Snack Launches a New Way to Learn, Better Serving Our Busy Lives". finance.yahoo.com. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
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