After an eventful first week of testing the Bing AI chatbot on desktop, Microsoft is rolling out support to mobile apps.
On Wednesday, Microsoft announced AI integration on the iOS and Android versions of Bing, its web browser Edge, and Skype. Mobile access is only available to a select group of testers, but the announcement shared plenty of information about what to expect when it's publicly available. Here's what we know.
New voice input
For using Bing or Edge on mobile, this makes a ton of sense and has been one of the most requested features according to Microsoft. Instead of having to type out a prompt, you'll be able to send a voice recording like you would with any other voice assistant. Early testers have shared demos of the new feature which shows a microphone button at the bottom of the screen that you can tap to record. Bing then shares its response in text and audio form.
A more mobile friendly interface
Bing on iOS and Android has also been tweaked to be more mobile friendly. You can start a chat session by tapping the Bing icon at the bottom and proceed to use chat with all the same capabilities (compose an email, poem, list, etc.) and answers and citations that appear on desktop. You can also customize how you want your answers displayed — in bullet points, text, or "simplified responses," said the announcement.
Lest we forget about Skype...
Remember Skype? Well now the OG VoIP platform is getting an AI injection of its own. Now you can start a Skype chat with the AI-powered Bing and interact with it the same way you would on Bing or Edge. This also includes asking it to generate ideas, recommendations, and draft messages. Bing in Skype can also share weather forecasts, flights, and hotel information.
Within group chats on Skype, tagging Bing in group chats invites it into the conversation to provide its AI expertise (which is still a little rough around the edges.) Theoretically, if you're making plans with friends to watch the Oscars together, you might tag Bing to ask when it airs and how to stream it. Bing in Skype also has voice input and can be customized to provide responses in bullet point, text, or written in a style that relates to little kids.
Despite some slightly disturbing responses in early testing, Microsoft is moving fast and seems to be full-steam ahead with Bing by churning out new mobile support and voice input capabilities. At this rate, the AI arms race is theirs to lose.
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