Observed Signal · Jul 19, 2023 · Product Launch · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Bing Chat Visual Search Rolls Out On Desktop and Mobile
Microsoft's Bing Chat now supports Visual Search, enabling users to upload a photo or snap an image and ask Bing questions about its content. The feature extends the visual search capability to desktop and mobile, according to a post on the Bing blog. The update positions Bing Chat alongside Google Lens and the recently updated Bard, highlighting a broader shift toward image-based querying in search. The post also notes that Bing's visual search function was tested for about a month prior to rollout. A sample tweet from the Microsoft Bing Dev account demonstrates practical use, such as asking which adapter is best for an upcoming trip to the UK. The capability mirrors a trend in AI-assisted search experiences that leverage computer vision to provide contextual answers from visual inputs.
Major platform feature launch (Bing Chat Visual Search) with cross-comparison to Google Lens; Impact on search UX and AI-enabled visual search.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Users can upload a photo or take a picture in Bing Chat and ask questions about it.
- Visual Search rolls out on desktop and mobile.
- Microsoft Bing Blog places the feature in context alongside Google Lens and Bard.
- A Microsoft Bing Dev Twitter post provides a practical example (choosing an adapter for a UK trip).
- Bing Search added Visual Search in 2018; Google Lens exists and has been integrated into Bard.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
At a Google Cloud event on Thursday, Google announced it is bringing agentic AI to its Gemini assistant, launching a unified agent that can autonomously plan and execute tasks on behalf of users. Aimed initially at businesses, the agent can connect to internal systems and external tools, use custom skills, and even choose from third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. It will have its own Workspace account with an email address, and will write its own audit trail. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal. Gemini has over 1 billion monthly active users, and nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Gemini Enterprise.
Microsoft Xbox creates new division for films, series, parks
Microsoft's Xbox gaming division announced the creation of a new business unit dedicated to films, television series, and theme park attractions. The move signals an expansion into entertainment and immersive experiences beyond video games, leveraging Xbox's intellectual property. This strategic diversification is part of Microsoft's broader ambition to grow its media and entertainment footprint, following trends seen across the industry. The new division will focus on developing and producing content based on Xbox franchises, potentially opening new revenue streams for the company. Financial details or a timeline for the division's operations have not been disclosed.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
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