MAI-Image-1: Microsoft's First Own Image Generator

Microsoft is clearly distancing itself further and further from OpenAI. After its first large language model, the company is now also introducing its first in-house developed image generator. MAI-Image-1 is said to have ranked among the top ten best image generators in the LMArena. The arena is a test environment where the results of AI models are evaluated by humans.

The image generator is said to have been trained primarily not to reproduce a recurring style. To achieve this, for example, emphasis was placed on stricter data selection; however, the data used for training remains unknown. Microsoft also states that feedback from the creative industry and experts has been incorporated into the model's development. It is specifically aimed at creators, which apparently is intended to differentiate it from, for example, OpenAI's image and video generators, which are freely available to the public and primarily used for fun.

MAI-Image-1 will soon be available via Copilot and Bing Image Creator, according to Microsoft's blog post. Until then, the image generator can continue to be tested in the LMArena. MAI-Image-1 is said to perform particularly well with photorealistic images. Furthermore, the AI model is very fast and enables particularly rapid iterative processes. Microsoft also writes that it has placed great value on “safe and responsible results.” Accordingly, there are likely to be clear guidelines for the image generator.

Microsoft distances itself from OpenAI

In addition to MAI-Image-1, Microsoft has also already released MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-1-preview. The voice generator can generate up to one minute of audio in one second. The preview hides the future version of Copilot, which has so far been based on OpenAI's AI models.

While Microsoft was an early major investor and supporter of OpenAI, recently there have only been reports of disputes between the two companies. This concerns OpenAI's desire to become a profit-oriented company. Microsoft wants to be involved accordingly with its billions of investments. There is apparently disagreement on this. This also applies to the exclusive usage terms for OpenAI's models, which Microsoft held. The restructuring plans are also meeting with criticism elsewhere—from Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, among others, as well as other charitable organizations and regulators.

(emw)