Microsoft Launches MAI-Image-1 Text-to-Image AI Model on Bing and Copilot Labs

Details

• Mustafa Suleyman unveiled MAI-Image-1, Microsoft's latest text-to-image generation model, now publicly available.
• Anyone can access the new model through Bing Image Creator on the web, the Bing mobile app, or Copilot Labs.
• MAI-Image-1 can auto-create custom cover art when paired with Story Mode audio, signaling upcoming multimodal integrations.
• Microsoft emphasizes strengths in artistic lighting with photorealistic detail, vibrant nature scenes, and high-fidelity food visuals.
• The model is rolling out worldwide wherever Bing Image Creator is available, except in the EU, where launch is pending.

Impact

This launch establishes Microsoft’s first branded in-house AI image model, reducing dependence on OpenAI’s DALL·E and intensifying competition with Midjourney, Adobe, and Google. Offering it for free through Bing and Copilot could disrupt premium design services. The lack of immediate EU access highlights increased regulatory scrutiny following the AI Act, making compliance a key challenge for major tech platforms.