Microsoft starts testing Bing Chat AI on Chrome and Safari for select users

Microsoft has confirmed that its AI chatbot, Bing Chat, will be accessible on non-Microsoft browsers, including Google Chrome and Apple's Safari. Previously available exclusively within Microsoft products like the Bing mobile app and Microsoft Edge browser, this expansion aims to bring the ChatGPT-like AI chatbot to a broader user base.

While Microsoft has yet to officially announce the expansion, the company has been quietly testing Bing Chat on Chrome and Safari with select users. The testing phase, known as ‘flighting access,’ allows Microsoft to fine-tune the experience before making it available to a wider audience.

According to reports, some Windows users have received pop-ups offering them the opportunity to try Bing Chat in Chrome, while others can access it by visiting Bing.com and clicking on the ‘Chat’ icon. However, the availability in Safari seems to be limited during the testing phase.

ChatGPT-powered experience with limitations

Bing Chat's AI chatbot leverages OpenAI's GPT-4 model, providing users with an interactive experience. However, during testing in Chrome, some limitations have been observed. While the original version in Microsoft Edge supported up to 30 messages per conversation and a character count of 3,000, the Chrome version is currently limited to five messages per conversation and a character count of 2,000.

Microsoft remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the ongoing tests, including when they started, which platforms are supported, and whether the expansion will include users from global markets. As the testing phase progresses, more information will likely surface.

Additionally, Bing Chat is also reportedly exploring the introduction of a native dark theme, although it's not yet widely available.

Bing Chat's expanding presence

Since its initial launch, Bing Chat has been gradually integrating itself into various Microsoft products. It made its way into the Bing mobile app and Edge browser for iOS, Android, and desktop users.

Furthermore, Microsoft announced plans to introduce a business-focused version of Bing Chat, featuring data privacy and governance controls, for enterprise use. Alongside these updates, Visual Search, allowing the chatbot to respond to questions about uploaded images, was also rolled out.

In short, Microsoft's Bing Chat is making significant strides in reaching a broader user base by extending its availability to popular non-Microsoft browsers. As testing continues and improvements are implemented, more users worldwide can look forward to engaging with this AI-powered chatbot on a variety of platforms.