Microsoft’s Bing is set to undergo a series of AI enhancements. These upgrades encompass several key areas, including the integration of OpenAI’s latest DALL-E 3 model, the provision of more tailored responses in search and chat, and the introduction of tools to watermark AI-generated images. This announcement was made during an event held in New York, where Microsoft also unveiled new Surface devices that incorporate built-in AI functionalities.
In particular, Microsoft revealed that its Windows 11 upgrade will bring forth a range of AI enhancements. Starting on September 26, the AI helper Copilot will be added, expanding its presence across Bing, Edge, and Microsoft 365 Copilot in the upcoming fall season. Enterprise customers can anticipate its availability on November 1, 2023, along with the introduction of Microsoft 365 Chat, a novel AI assistant tailored for workplace environments. Windows apps such as Paint, Photos, and Clipchamp will also feature AI experiences.
Beyond these Windows-related features, Microsoft is making significant AI improvements to its search engine, Bing. Notably, it will incorporate OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 model, upgrading from the previous version used to generate images in Bing Chat. This upgrade promises better renderings, with increased attention to details such as fingers, eyes, and shadows.
In terms of responsible image generation, Microsoft is enhancing safeguards. The system will now apply invisible digital watermarks, referred to as Content Credentials, to all AI-generated images. This technology adheres to cryptographic methods and standards set by the “Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA),” enhancing transparency regarding AI-generated images. Several prominent organizations, including Adobe, Intel, and Sony, have joined the C2PA initiative.
Additionally, Bing will deliver more personalized responses to user search queries by leveraging their previous interactions with Bing Chat. Microsoft clarifies that this system is opt-out, allowing users to disable it if they prefer not to have their chat history influence their search results. For example, if a user has previously used Bing Chat to inquire about their favorite movies, books, or music, future interactions and searches will take those preferences into account when providing answers. This personalized context aims to improve search results by reducing the need for users to modify their original queries repeatedly.
Lastly, Microsoft plans to introduce support for multimodal Visual Search and Image Creator in Bing Chat Enterprise for its extensive user base of over 160 million Microsoft 365 subscribers, granting them access to the workplace AI chatbot.
