Microsoft introduces new features on Bing, Edge despite tech warnings

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Microsoft announced on Thursday that it updated its artificial intelligence feature on its Bing search engine and Edge internet browser amid recent growing concerns about AI's rapid expansion. 

The features are now accessible for anyone to use on Bing or Edge internet browser, as per Microsoft's corporate vice president, Yusuf Mehdi, in a blog post. 

"This means that it will now be easier than ever for everyone to try the new Bing and Edge by simply signing into Bing with your Microsoft Account," he noted.

The updates now include AI features with rich images and texts, and the company plans to further add video-enhanced features soon, as per Mehdi. 

"Image Creator" is one of the new features that were recently integrated into the chatbot's repertoire, according to the executive, enabling AI to generate visuals, texts, and content. 

"We are expanding Image Creator to all languages in Bing," he said, adding that "now you can create images in your native language."

In recent months, concerns have been raised by observers over the potential use of AI for fraud, voice cloning, and deep-fake videos. 

Last March, a team of 1,000 experts issued a call to address generative AI tech from Microsoft-backed OpenAI, urging for a break in the development of AI systems in order to check the safety of their use.

Among the signatories of the open letter were billionaire Elon Musk and Appel cofounder Steve Wozniak.

"AI systems with human-competitive intelligence can pose profound risks to society and humanity," the letter read, noting that "powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable."

Geoffrey Hinton, a computer scientist widely renowned for his contributions to AI, recently resigned from Google to become more vocal about the dangers of AI. 

Read more: Shut down AI or 'everyone on Earth will die', researcher warns

On Wednesday, Hinton said during an MIT forum that it is a sound decision to pause the development of AI technologies, noting that the existential threat of AI is a "serious and close" matter to consider.

But considering the intense competition in the industry, companies would be reluctant to take such a measure. 

Over the past three months, more than half a billion chats have taken place, Mehdi said, adding that over 200 million images have been generated so far using Bing Creator software. 

"We believe innovating and learning in the open is part of a responsible approach," he said.

"Our teams continue to work to address issues such as misinformation and disinformation, content blocking, data safety and preventing the promotion of harmful or discriminatory content in line with our AI principles."