Generative AI is increasingly becoming a focal point in search and communication platforms. As Bing Chat integrates OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 for text-to-image capabilities, Bard, another conversational AI, has also jumped into the generative art arena. This development follows a broader trend in which AI is not just a tool for information retrieval but also a creative assistant that can generate images and even write drafts based on user input.

Google’s Search Gets a Creative Twist

Google has been experimenting with generative AI capabilities in its Search function. Known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), this new feature allows users to generate images based on specific queries. For example, if a user searches for “draw a picture of a capybara wearing a chef’s hat and cooking breakfast,” SGE will display up to four generated images in line with the search query. Users can even modify these images by editing the descriptions to add more details.

A search for “draw an image of a capybara wearing a chefs hat and cooking breakfast” leads to four generated images, all depicting a capybara in a chefs hat cooking different types of breakfast foods like bacon and eggs.

This feature is not just limited to Google Search. If you’re opted into the SGE experiment, you may also find an option to create AI-generated images directly in Google Images. This comes handy when searching for inspiration, say, for “minimalist Halloween table settings” or “spooky dog house ideas.”

A Google Image search for “minimalist halloween table settings” shows various images, then taps into an option to “Create something new, see brand news images generated with AI,” which generates an image of a table with a black tablecloth, white plates and napkins and spider decor.

Bing Chat and DALL-E 3: A Symbiotic Relationship

On the other hand, Bing Chat has integrated DALL-E 3, OpenAI’s most advanced text-to-image model. Since the launch of Bing Image Creator, the platform has generated over 1 billion images, serving various creative needs like social media thumbnails, design inspirations, and more. DALL-E 3 enhances this feature by offering more precise, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing images based on textual prompts.

The safety features are also well-thought-out in Bing Chat. Every AI-generated image comes with an invisible digital watermark to confirm its AI-generated provenance. Moreover, a content moderation system removes any images that are harmful or inappropriate.

Comparing Bard and Bing Chat in Generative Art

While Bing Chat focuses primarily on image generation, Bard takes a more holistic approach by combining text and image generation. It helps not just in creating images but also in writing drafts. For example, if you are searching for how to convert your garage into a home office, Bard can help you write a note to a contractor asking for a quote. This draft can then be easily exported to Google Docs or Gmail.

In terms of safety and ethics, both platforms seem to be on the same page. Just like Bing Chat, Bard also ensures responsible AI usage by incorporating metadata labeling and watermarking in every generated image. It also plans to introduce an ‘About this image’ tool to help users assess the context and credibility of images.

User Experience and Accessibility

Bard’s generative art feature is currently available only to those opted into the SGE experiment and is limited to English speakers in the United States. Bing Chat’s DALL-E 3 integration is generally available to everyone and offers a free experience, making it accessible to a broader user base.

Conclusion: The Future of Generative Art in AI Platforms

As generative AI capabilities become more sophisticated, their integration into search and communication platforms is likely to become more prevalent. Both Bard and Bing Chat offer compelling but slightly different approaches to how generative art can be used, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. As these platforms continue to evolve, the way we search, communicate, and even create could undergo a significant transformation.

The generative art race between Bard and Bing Chat is indeed heating up, and it will be fascinating to see how each evolves to serve user needs better while also adhering to ethical considerations. With user feedback and ongoing testing, generative AI has the potential to redefine our interaction with technology, offering a more interactive, creative, and efficient experience.