Bing offers free access to Sora AI video generator

Microsoft has introduced a new AI video generator, called the Bing Video Creator, to its Bing mobile app. This feature leverages OpenAI's Sora text-to-video model, which is typically available only to paying ChatGPT Plus users at a rate starting at $20 per month. Microsoft's announcement on Monday emphasized the aim to make AI video generation more accessible and effortless, stating, "Bing Video Creator represents our efforts to democratize the power of AI video generation. We believe creativity should be effortless and accessible to help you satisfy your answer-seeking process. We’re excited to empower anyone to turn their words into wonder through an AI-generated video." The Bing Video Creator is currently being rolled out globally, with the exception of China and Russia, for Bing Search apps on both Android and iPhone. Desktop and Copilot Search support are expected in the near future. To access the feature, users can find it in the menu at the bottom right corner of the app or by inputting the desired video description directly into the Bing search bar. Each user can queue up to three video generations simultaneously and will receive notifications when their videos are ready. The video generator offers two modes: "Standard" and "Fast." The Standard mode is free for all users, but videos can take several hours to generate. The Fast mode, designed to produce videos in seconds, is initially available for 10 free generations. After that, users must spend 100 Microsoft Rewards points per Fast generation. These points can be earned through activities like searching with Bing or making purchases at the Microsoft Store; for example, 5 points are awarded for each PC search using Bing, with a daily cap of 150 points. Videos created with Bing Video Creator are 5 seconds long and have a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, ideal for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, Microsoft plans to add support for the 16:9 horizontal format in the future. The generated videos will be saved on the Bing app for up to 90 days and can be downloaded or shared across various platforms. Industry Insights and Company Profiles Industry insiders have praised Microsoft's move to integrate the Sora model into the Bing app, noting that it could significantly reduce barriers to entry for creators interested in AI-generated content. By offering this feature for free, Microsoft is positioning Bing as a user-friendly platform that empowers casual users and hobbyists, potentially competing with paid services like those offered by Adobe and TikTok. This initiative aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to enhance its AI capabilities and attract more users to its ecosystem. Microsoft, founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, is one of the world's leading technology companies. Known for its Windows operating system, Office suite, and cloud computing services, Microsoft has been increasingly focusing on AI and machine learning. Its partnership with OpenAI, which began in 2019, has been a cornerstone of this strategy. OpenAI, a research laboratory, develops advanced AI models and technologies, including Sora. Amanda Silberling, a senior writer at TechCrunch, highlights the cultural impact of integrating AI into creative tools. With a background in grassroots organizing, museum education, and film festival coordination, Silberling brings a unique perspective to how technology intersects with societal trends. Her work often emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in fostering creativity and innovation among a diverse range of users. In summary, the introduction of Bing Video Creator marks a significant step in making AI-generated content accessible to a wider audience. This move not only enhances Bing's utility but also underscores Microsoft's commitment to leveraging AI to empower everyday users. As the feature evolves and gains support for more formats and platforms, it has the potential to revolutionize how people create and share video content online.