Google Bard finally gets free AI image generation and Gemini Pro expansion

Google has announced the expansion of Bard, allowing users to generate images for free in most countries, and utilize Gemini Pro in any language, country, and territory Bard supports. Consequently, Gemini Pro in Bard will be accessible in over 40 languages and more than 230 countries and territories, broadening the scope for collaboration using this enhanced version of Bard.

In addition to this, Google is launching ImageFX, an image-generation tool backed by Imagen 2, the latest text-to-image model from Google DeepMind. ImageFX aims to provide a robust interface for users to explore image generation swiftly and safely. Enhancements have also been made to Google's existing generative AI creation tools, MusicFX and TextFX.

ImageFX, a new addition to Google Labs, allows users to create images using simple text prompts. It also features a prompt interface with “expressive chips”, designed to stimulate creativity by enabling quick experimentation with various dimensions of the user's creation and ideas. MusicFX, a generative AI text-to-music experiment released by Google last year, now allows users to create tunes up to 70 seconds in length and music loops. Users can explore prompts with expressive chips and share their creations with others. TextFX is Google's generative AI experiment aimed at lyricists and wordsmiths, offering a platform to explore creative text and language possibilities. Google has recently enhanced TextFX with usability updates to improve user experience and navigation.

To ensure safety, Google says it has significantly invested in training data safety and implemented technical guardrails to restrict problematic outputs such as violent, offensive, or sexually explicit content. Measures have also been taken to minimize the risk of generating images of named individuals. Extensive adversarial testing has been conducted by Google to identify and mitigate potential harmful and problematic content.