Bing offers free access to Sora AI video generator

Microsoft has announced the addition of a new AI video generator, called Bing Video Creator, to its Bing mobile app. The feature, rolled out on Monday, leverages OpenAI’s Sora text-to-video model, typically available only to paying ChatGPT users. Microsoft aims to democratize AI-generated content, making it accessible to a broader audience for free. The Bing Video Creator is now available globally, excluding China and Russia, on the Bing Search apps for both Android and iPhone. Desktop and Copilot Search support are expected in the future. To use the feature, users can access it via the menu at the bottom right of the Bing app or by inputting a description directly into the search bar. Each user can queue up to three 5-second video generations at a time. Microsoft offers two modes: "Standard," which is free, and "Fast," which generates videos much more quickly. Users get 10 free "Fast" generations and can then earn additional ones by collecting Microsoft Rewards points. These points can be earned by performing searches on Bing or making purchases from the Microsoft Store, with 5 points awarded for each PC search, capped at 150 points per day. The video generator currently supports a 9:16 vertical format, ideal for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Horizontal 16:9 format support is slated for a future update. Generated videos can be downloaded from the app and stored for up to 90 days, allowing users to share them on various platforms. This move by Microsoft is significant in the context of the growing field of AI-generated content. By integrating Sora into Bing, Microsoft is positioning itself as a leader in making advanced AI tools accessible to the general public. However, the initial rollout has faced some challenges. Video generations can take several hours, even in “Fast” mode, which is designed to produce results in minutes. Despite these limitations, the feature is still seen as a step forward in the democratization of AI technology. Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI dates back several years, with the company investing heavily in AI research and development. This partnership has already produced notable advancements, such as the integration of AI in Office applications and the enhancement of Azure’s capabilities. The Bing Video Creator further cements this collaboration, providing users with a powerful tool to transform their ideas into visual content effortlessly. Industry insiders and experts have praised Microsoft’s initiative, noting its potential to disrupt the market for AI-generated content. The free availability of Sora through Bing could significantly lower the barrier to entry for creators, enabling them to produce high-quality videos without the financial burden. Moreover, the feature's integration into a widely used search app could drive increased adoption of AI tools, fostering innovation and creativity in various sectors. While the current version of Bing Video Creator has limitations, such as the 5-second duration and slow generation times, these are expected to improve with future updates. The vertical format alignment with popular social media platforms is a strategic move, ensuring that the tool is relevant and useful for content creators. As AI technology continues to evolve, features like the Bing Video Creator may become more sophisticated, offering longer video durations, faster generation speeds, and more diverse formatting options. In the broader tech landscape, the integration of AI into everyday tools is becoming increasingly common. Companies like Google and Meta are also developing similar features, but Microsoft’s approach stands out by emphasizing accessibility and user-friendliness. By making advanced AI models available to regular users, Microsoft is not only empowering creators but also contributing to the mainstream acceptance and understanding of AI technologies. Jess Weatherbed, a news writer with a focus on creative industries, computing, and internet culture, highlighted the importance of such tools in her career journey at TechRadar. Her expertise in news and hardware reviews provides valuable insight into the practical applications and implications of AI-generated content. Amanda Silberling, a senior writer at TechCrunch covering the intersection of technology and culture, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the potential of AI to enhance creativity and cultural production. Both writers underscore the significance of Microsoft’s move in democratizing AI technology and its potential to reshape the digital content landscape. In conclusion, the introduction of Bing Video Creator marks a significant milestone in Microsoft’s commitment to making AI technology accessible and user-friendly. While there are initial limitations, the feature’s potential to foster creativity and innovation is vast. Industry experts view this development favorably, recognizing it as a step toward a more inclusive and technologically advanced future in content creation. 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 Azure cloud platform, Microsoft has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation. The company’s ongoing partnership with OpenAI reflects its strategic investment in emerging AI technologies, aiming to integrate them seamlessly into consumer products and services.