Microsoft’s Bing Chatbot Introduces New Features and Functionality
Microsoft is upgrading its Bing chatbot, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, with new features such as image and video answers, restaurant bookings, chat history, and smarter Microsoft Edge integration. The update aims to improve user experience and compete with rival Google Search.
Edge Actions for Streamlined Task Completion
The new “Edge actions” allow users to complete tasks more efficiently by integrating Microsoft Edge with Bing Chat. Users can now search for movies, book restaurants through OpenTable, and more without needing to navigate between different sites. Bing Actions and Edge Actions will be supported by partners like OpenTable and Apple TV at launch.
Image and Video Search Results in Bing Chat
Microsoft is introducing richer, more visual answers in Bing Chat, including image and video search results, charts, and graphs. Bing Image Creator will be expanded to support over 100 languages, enabling users to create images with ease.
Chat History and Cross-Device Conversations
The highly requested chat history feature will allow users to continue chatbot conversations across devices and use Bing Chat as a research tool. Additionally, Microsoft plans to add export and share features, letting users share conversations on Twitter or import them into a Word document.
Improved Microsoft Edge Integration
Bing Chat history will be integrated into Microsoft Edge, allowing users to open links from Bing Chat answers and continue the conversation in a sidebar. Microsoft is also experimenting with chat sessions using previous chat history for context.
Third-Party Plug-In Support
Microsoft is opening up Bing Chat to third parties, working with companies like OpenTable, Wolfram Alpha, and OpenAI for plug-in support. More details on these new features are expected to be announced at Microsoft Build later this month.
