Microsoft has recently announced a major update to its search engine Bing, which introduces a new AI chatbot feature that allows users to ask questions using images. The chatbot, named ‘Visual Search’, enables users to take a photo of an object or upload an existing image and get information and answers about it.

The Visual Search feature builds on the existing Bing Image Search technology, which already allowed users to find images related to a specific query. But now, with the chatbot, users can simply take a picture of an object and get relevant information. This new functionality is particularly useful for those instances where users may not know the name of an object, but can identify it by sight.

According to Microsoft, the chatbot uses AI and machine learning to analyze images and return accurate results. The technology is able to recognize objects and provide information about them, including where to buy them and how to use them. The chatbot is also integrated with Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana, allowing users to get more detailed information or even set reminders based on their visual searches.

The Visual Search feature is available on the Bing mobile app, as well as through the web version of Bing on desktop and mobile devices. The chatbot is currently limited to certain types of queries, such as identifying landmarks, animals, and products, but Microsoft has plans to expand its capabilities in the future.

In a statement announcing the new feature, Jordi Ribas, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of AI Products, said, “With Visual Search, we are bringing the power of AI and machine learning to the world of images, making it easier for people to discover and learn about the world around them.”

The introduction of the Visual Search feature is part of Microsoft’s larger effort to improve its search capabilities and compete with other search engines, most notably Google. Google has long been the dominant player in the search engine market, and Microsoft has struggled to gain a foothold. However, the new chatbot feature is just one example of how Microsoft is using AI and machine learning to differentiate itself from its competitors.

In addition to its search engine, Microsoft has been investing heavily in AI and machine learning technology across its other products and services, such as its virtual assistant Cortana and its cloud computing platform Azure. The company sees AI as a key driver of innovation and growth in the tech industry, and has made it a top priority for its future development.

While the Visual Search feature is an exciting development for Bing, it also raises questions about privacy and security. As with any new technology that involves collecting and analyzing user data, there are concerns about how that data is being used and who has access to it. Microsoft has stated that it takes user privacy and security seriously, and that it is committed to being transparent about its data collection practices.

Overall, the new Bing AI chatbot feature is an impressive addition to Microsoft’s search engine. By allowing users to ask questions with images, it opens up a new realm of possibilities for how we search for and interact with information online. And with the power of AI and machine learning behind it, the chatbot has the potential to become a powerful tool for discovery and learning.