Google Bard gets AI image generation capabilities

Image: Google

Google's Bard chatbot has introduced AI image generation, bridging a gap with its competitor ChatGPT Plus, which has offered this feature for several months. You can now prompt Bard to create images using Google's Imagen 2 text-to-image model. Notably, you can access the enhanced Bard with Imagen 2 at no cost, in contrast to ChatGPT Plus, which requires a subscription.

Despite initial expectations for Bard to be powered by the more advanced Gemini Ultra model, it is currently fueled by the Gemini Pro large language model, with the Ultra model still in development.

Recent concerns about the misuse of AI image generation, particularly in generating explicit content, have prompted tech companies to enhance security measures. Google, in response, has implemented a watermarking feature in Bard's images to indicate their AI-generated nature. Additionally, safety measures have been put in place to avoid generating images of well-known individuals and to restrict violent, offensive, or sexually explicit content.

The scope of AI image generation extends beyond Bard, as Google introduces ImageFX, an experimental photo tool powered by Imagen 2. This tool allows users to create images using simple text prompts, with the feedback loop going directly to Google engineers. SynthID markings—along with adherence to Google's AI principles and technical safeguards—are applied to all images generated through ImageFX. This tool joins Google's array of AI creation tools, including MusicFX and TextFX, and is available for testing on Google Labs.

Bard's expansion goes beyond image generation, encompassing language support and functionality improvements. While image generation is currently limited to English, Bard now supports over 40 languages in more than 230 countries, a significant increase from its previous availability in only 170 countries and exclusively in English. Moreover, the double-check feature, enabling users to evaluate responses by automatically searching the internet for supporting or contradictory content, has been expanded to 40 languages, enhancing the chatbot's capabilities across a diverse linguistic landscape.

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The future of Google Assistant Driving Mode: Less apps, more voice

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Google is deprecating some Assistant features, including the App Launcher in Assistant Driving Mode. This launcher lets you access various apps and shortcuts while navigating with Google Maps. It will be removed on February 7, along with the media apps and the fullscreen user interface.

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Say his name twice: The first foster for 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' is here

Image: Warner Bros.

In 2024, Michael Keaton will reprise his role as the ghost for hire in the sequel to the 1988 film Beetlejuice. The sequel is titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and is directed by Tim Burton, too. The teaser poster for the movie was released on Thursday, revealing the title and a little wink at another scene from the original. 

The waiting room number on the poster recalls another one of Beetlejuice’s memorable scenes, where he visits a waiting room in the afterlife and gets a ludicrously high number, only to steal a smaller one from a fellow ghost.

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Skylight Calendar Max is a 27-inch digital family calendar

Photo: Skylight

Skylight has unveiled its latest creation—the Calendar Max (Cal Max). This 27-inch smart family calendar is designed to bring clarity to the chaos of modern family life. Inspired by customer feedback and growing demand for a larger, more sophisticated home organization tool, Cal Max integrates seamlessly into daily routines, offering an all-in-one solution to manage calendars, appointments, chores, meal planning, and to-do lists. 

The Quad HD resolution touchscreen display facilitates easy navigation. It now has an anti-glare display to improve visibility and readability. You can place it horizontally or vertically in your home. And you get options for the frame. The Cal Max comes with a plastic frame in black or white or an aluminum Shadow Box frame. It has 32GB of built-in storage and two four-watt speakers.

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