Create AI-driven videos sans cost using OpenAI's Sora within Microsoft Bing
In a world where AI tools are becoming increasingly expensive, Microsoft has decided to go against the grain. They've unlocked the gates to OpenAI's Sora video model, allowing users to create short videos for free.
There's no need for a costly subscription or enterprise contract with Microsoft. All you need is the Bing mobile app, a Microsoft account, and a smidgen of patience.
The catch? You'll only get five seconds of vertical video in 480p resolution. But it's the first time the public has access to Sora's video-generating capabilities without shelling out a cent.
The Bing Video Creator can be found inside the Microsoft Bing app for iOS and Android devices. The setup is seamless - login with a Microsoft account, type a scene prompt into the search bar, and hit 'create' to watch the AI work its magic.
Yes, there are limitations. The videos are in vertical format and you'll need to earn Microsoft Rewards points to speed up the video generation process. But for an AI-generated video, it's pretty impressive.
Even in its stripped-down form, Sora can generate animated clips with complex lighting, fluid movement, and surreal elements. Imagine 'astronauts dancing in space,' or 'a glowing koi fish swimming through neon clouds.' If you can describe it, Sora can bring it to life.
If you want faster results, you'll need to earn more Rewards points. These can be accumulated by using Bing, Microsoft Edge, or Xbox. One Fast video will set you back 100 Rewards points.
Microsoft's motive? To draw users into their ecosystem, encouraging them to use Bing instead of Google. And the allure of generating AI videos has proven to be a powerful lure.
After generating your video, it's stored in the app for 90 days.
Keep in mind, this experience isn't the same as with a premium subscription. Premium users get longer, higher-resolution videos and more creative control. The Bing version is simple: input your prompt and receive your clip.
Despite the limitations, the base engine is the same. For casual creators, educators, meme-makers, and social media managers, the output is more than satisfactory.
In essence, Microsoft is using AI as a funnel to draw users into their broader ecosystem. And it's working. If you've ever shied away from AI video due to cost, the idea of generating clips on your phone for free is a compelling draw.
Just don't expect a fully-featured studio in your pocket. This is Sora on a leash, but it's a long leash that might just keep users lingering inside Microsoft's world.
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[1] Microsoft Developer Blog: Introducing Bing Video Creator: Build, experiment, and create with AI[2] The Verge: Microsoft Bing’s new video creation tool is free, bad, and a major threat to Google
- The laptop screen comes alive with a preview of the AI-generated video, created using the Bing Video Creator on a mobile device.
- Despite the limitation of a 480p display, the laptop's SSD storage is filled with impressive Sora-generated videos, each showcasing fluid movement and complex lighting.
- The laptop's RAM handles the high demand of running the Microsoft Bing app, where users create videos using a simple input process, similar to searching on the Windows platform.
- In comparison to the premium subscription, the free version on the MacBook lacks some features, such as longer video duration and high resolution, but still offers an impressive display of technology's potential.
- Reviewers praise the sleek design of the MacBook keyboard, suggesting that Microsoft's strategy to draw users into their ecosystem is not only succeeding with the AI tool but also with their hardware.
