Google is reportedly ready to add an AI image generator to its chatbot, Bard, in an update that is expected to enhance the user experience as well as improve the chatbot.
This development was revealed by a tipster on the X platform, formerly Twitter, which revealed the chatbot would get the update on Jan. 18. According to the post, creating images on Bard will use Google’s text-to-image tool, Imagen.
Imagen on Bard
The user on the X platform, identified as Dylan Roussel, leaked the details of the latest Bard update from a “set on unreleased patch notes.”
“Here’s what’s coming next in Bard, tomorrow. Image generation with Bard will use Imagen, Google’s Text-to-image ‘diffusion technology’,” wrote Dylan Roussel on X on Wednesday.
A prompt by PitaPixel on Bard about the latest update had the chatbot responding: “Google is indeed planning to add an AI image generator to Bard, and it’s exciting news for everyone who enjoys using this powerful language model.”
“It’s safe to say that AI image generation is coming to Bard sooner rather than later. This will add a whole new dimension to Bard’s capabilities, allowing users to not only generate text but also create unique and creative images based on their prompts and descriptions,” added Bard.
Back to the future? 👀
Here's what's coming next in Bard. . . tomorrow.
Image generation with Bard will use Imagen, Google's Text-to-Image "diffusion technology."https://t.co/FNeiCsS2ar
Important: The content of this changelog may still be changed until officially released. pic.twitter.com/9yRNjHNrLq
— Dylan Roussel (@evowizz) January 17, 2024
What to expect
While the chatbot indicated the release date was not yet known, it went on to give features that users may expect, such as generating images from text descriptions.
“You’ll be able to describe the image you want in your own words, and Bard will use its understanding of language and image generation to create a corresponding image,” wrote Bard.
In terms of styles, the chatbot added that the image generator is expected to provide a mixed bag of styles and techniques that users can choose from when creating images. As such, users can create “anything from photorealistic images to abstract paintings.”
The chatbot went on to explain how users will leverage the capabilities of Bard’s text generation and AI image generator—a collaboration that will produce “more complex and creative outputs.”
According to PetaPixel, Google has been “coy with its AI image generator, which is already on its second model, despite its limited availability to the general public.”
As such, adding Imagen to Bard will be a huge step by Google in making the AI image generator available to many people, according to PetaPixel.
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Mixed reactions
Responding to Dylan Roussel’s post, users expressed mixed feelings about the prospects of having an image generator on Bard.
Others were disappointed it had taken Google this much time to have such an update to the chatbot.
“Kinda crazy Bard couldn’t already do this… Maybe AI wallpapers will get an upgrade as well. Assuming this image generator is actually good,” wrote one Alex Mullis.
Others were not happy that no update had been made by Jan. 19, explaining they could not access the tool on Bard.
“Where is this update that it was not released yesterday and it is not released yet?” said RaulKong898, while others simply commented, “Well, it did not happen.”
Other users expressed frustration that they could not access most updates because they were not in the US.
“As always, USA only, right?? I’m from Switzerland, and Switzerland is NOT an EU country. We are not in the EU! But Bard is not fully usable here,” wrote another user.
and then