Microsoft’s Bing Chat, which was initially exclusive to the Edge browser, is now extending its services to Chrome and Safari, according to a report by The Verge. As a Microsoft representative explained to The Verge, “We are initiating access to Bing Chat for a select group of Safari and Chrome users as part of our testing phase on other browsers. Following standard testing protocols, we look forward to making the service available to a broader user base.”
The rollout appears to be more than a mere small-scale test as numerous users, including myself on Chrome (though not on Safari), have gained access. However, the service does come with certain limitations. Users must be logged into their Microsoft account, and response prompts are capped at 2,000 characters, compared to the 4,000 character limit on Edge. Conversations are also reset after five inquiries instead of 30, and users are regularly prompted to download Edge.
The engine powering Bing Chat is none other than OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, which allows users to enjoy its features at no cost. However, there are a few differences to note. Bing Chat, for instance, integrates Bing Search, providing more current information and source-based responses. This is a functionality that standalone ChatGPT-4 does not possess. While OpenAI’s chat service generally provides more comprehensive responses, a recent academic paper suggested a decline in ChatGPT-4’s capabilities. However, this assertion has been minimized by several experts.
In addition to making Bing Chat available on other browsers, Microsoft has also launched a dark mode for the service. To activate this feature, users can click on the hamburger menu in the top right corner and select “Appearance/Dark.” However, this functionality may not be accessible to all users just yet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bing Chat expansion
What browser was Bing Chat initially exclusive to?
Bing Chat was initially exclusive to the Microsoft Edge browser.
Is Bing Chat now available on other browsers?
Yes, Bing Chat has started rolling out to select users on Chrome and Safari as part of Microsoft’s testing phase.
What are the limitations of using Bing Chat on Chrome and Safari?
When using Bing Chat on Chrome and Safari, users must be logged into their Microsoft account, and the character limit for prompts is capped at 2,000 characters, as opposed to the 4,000 character limit on Edge. Also, conversations reset after five queries rather than thirty.
Which technology powers Bing Chat?
Bing Chat is powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4.
Are there differences between Bing Chat and OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4?
Yes, there are some differences. Bing Chat has access to Bing Search, which can provide more up-to-date information and sources for responses. This feature is not available in standalone ChatGPT-4. However, ChatGPT-4 generally provides more detailed responses.
Has Microsoft introduced any new features for Bing Chat?
Yes, in addition to expanding Bing Chat to other browsers, Microsoft has introduced a dark mode feature for Bing Chat. However, this feature may not be accessible to all users yet.
More about Bing Chat expansion
- Microsoft’s Bing Chat
- OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4
- The Verge Report on Bing Chat Expansion
- Introduction of Dark Mode for Bing Chat
- Recent Academic Paper on ChatGPT-4
5 comments
Wow, Bing chat on Chrome finally!! Let’s hope the character limit gets increased though… 2000 is a bit short, ya know?
been waiting for this. but why am i constantly getting asked to download edge? LOL microsoft never changes…
So i can only use Bing Chat properly when logged into my Microsoft account, huh? guess it’s time to dust off the old Hotmail.
Interesting, Bing Chat and OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4 are bit different after all. who would’ve thought…
Dark mode on Bing Chat, that’s lit! Does anyone know when it’ll be available for all?