Microsoft integrates DALL-E’s AI image generation into Bing and Edge

As technology continues to evolve, Microsoft’s Bing AI chat is taking things up a notch. Aside from answering questions, the chatbot can now generate images through the Bing Image Creator preview. This feature incorporates OpenAI’s DALL-E AI image generation into Bing search and the Edge browser sidebar. Users can simply ask the chatbot to create an image based on their preferences, whether it’s a direct description or a follow-up query. For instance, if you’re planning to redesign your living room, you can ask Bing to generate some ideas.

However, Microsoft is taking precautions to prevent the creation of “harmful” images and has implemented additional protections beyond OpenAI’s own. Furthermore, images generated through this feature are AI-generated and are marked with watermarks to emphasise this.

Microsoft’s Image Creator feature is currently available in preview to selected Bing desktop and mobile users, as well as Edge browser users. Users who are part of the test group can try out the feature by toggling the Creative mode.

Microsoft has plans to introduce the feature to Balanced and Precise mode users in the future, and fine-tune the system’s behaviour in multi-step chats. While the technology currently only supports English, the company is working on bringing more languages to the platform.

This innovative feature is just one example of how AI technology is transforming the way we interact with computers and the world around us. Additionally, Bing is rolling out AI-based Knowledge Cards that offer quick-glance information through charts and timelines, while Stories provide images and short videos related to searched topics.

Microsoft is not the only tech giant exploring AI image production, as Adobe and NVIDIA have also announced plans to incorporate generative AI into their products. Adobe is set to introduce AI into Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro, while NVIDIA is launching a customisable cloud AI service that includes image creation.

While Microsoft is not directly competing with these companies, it is joining a group of tech giants that recognise the value of AI-generated images. In addition to this, the Bing Image Creator could potentially give Microsoft an edge over Google, as the latter only recently expanded access to its Bard AI chat following a limited test. It will be interesting to see how these tech giants continue to push the boundaries of AI technology and its applications in the future.