Microsoft rolls out new AI image generation tool to take on Google, OpenAI

Microsoft

Microsoft AI has unveiled its new in-house text-to-image generator, MAI-Image-1 to take on rivals like Google and OpenAI. Following the introduction of its initial Microsoft AI models, this new offering aims to set a higher standard for image generation. In the last few months, Google has taken a leap in terms of 'viral' AI content with its Nano Banana AI imaging tool. Microsoft's latest move is likely to give more competition to Google and others.

What the model is all about

MAI-Image-1 was developed with input from creative professionals, specifically to overcome the common pitfall of "repetitive or generically-stylized outputs." Microsoft boasts that its new model excels in producing photorealistic imagery, particularly for elements like lightning and landscapes. Furthermore, it claims superior speed, processing requests and generating images faster than its larger, slower counterparts. This efficiency has already been validated, with MAI-Image-1 securing a spot in the top 10 on LMArena, a respected AI benchmark site where human evaluators judge and vote on AI system outputs.

This new image generator integrates into Microsoft's growing suite of AI products, joining MAI-Voice-1 AI, a voice generator, and MAI-1-preview, a chatbot. The launch of MAI-Image-1 comes amidst an evolving relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI, an organization Microsoft previously funded. The tech giant has also diversified its AI strategy, recently incorporating Anthropic’s AI models into some Microsoft 365 features and making substantial investments in training its own AI models like MAI-Image-1.

While independent testing of MAI-Image-1 is pending, Microsoft has affirmed its commitment to "ensuring safe and responsible outcomes," indicating an emphasis on safety guardrails.