Microsoft is reversing an update to its AI-powered Bing Image Creator after weeks of user dissatisfaction, reports TechCrunch.

The decision follows an outpouring of complaints that the tool’s performance declined significantly after the introduction of a new version of the DALL-E 3 model on December 18th.

Despite the rollback, Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the decision or the specific issues causing a disconnect between user expectations and the tool’s output.

Jordi Ribas, Microsoft’s head of search, addressed the situation on Twitter, stating that the company was able to replicate “some of the issues reported” by users. As a result, they have decided to temporarily revert to an earlier version of the DALL-E model. However, Ribas warned that it could take several weeks to fully implement this change.

The problems were apparent shortly after the December upgrade, with users voicing frustrations over the Bing Image Creator’s ability to generate high-quality, prompt-accurate images. Ribas initially assured users that the new model should offer slightly better output on average, but dissatisfaction persisted.

Online discussions, including posts on Reddit and OpenAI’s community forums, highlighted specific grievances. For instance, one user criticized the model’s depiction of fabric on an anime-style character’s dress, comparing two images to show a stark difference in quality. Another user expressed dissatisfaction with the tool’s application of starburst effects, sharing side-by-side comparisons to illustrate their point.

These critiques underscore the subjectivity of evaluating AI-generated art. While some users might find the changes acceptable, others hold the tool to a high standard, often comparing its outputs to their envisioned results. Beyond addressing bugs and feature changes, Microsoft now faces the challenge of managing the expectations of an increasingly vocal community of AI art critics.

Perhaps the company could take a cue from the artists whose works helped train these generators—balancing creative vision with client expectations is no small feat.