Binance’s NFT generator Bixel has made a comeback. It is now available to all users of the cryptocurrency exchange as Binance looks to democratise the NFT industry.
The crypto giant joined the booming artificial intelligence art space earlier this year. Its NFT generator Bixel allowed a select group of users to create their own custom images using AI. These could then be minted into NFTs on the BNB Smart Chain.
On 26 July, Bixel went live to all of Binance’s users who had completed know your customer checks. It brought AI-created NFTs to the biggest cryptocurrency exchange, according to CoinMarketCap.
Binance said: “Bixel combines the power of AI and Web3 to provide an accessible entry point into digital art and NFTs.”
How to generate AI NFT art with Bixel
Users upload images or send text prompts onto the platform onto the platform. The AI generator turns these prompts into new pieces of digital art. The produced art can then be minted as NFTs.
A minting fee is required to generate the NFT on the BNB Smart Chain. Users pay a 0.008 BNB or roughly $2 fee.
Bixel’s key features
- Users get 10 daily chances to create AI-generated digital art for free by submitting text prompts or uploading images.
- Bixel allows users to choose from nine distinct styles, including realistic, anime, painting, fantasy, and cyberpunk.
- The Variation feature enables users to explore different versions of their art. AI generators like DALLE-2 have a similar feature.
- The Upscale feature enhances image resolution. This lets users create significantly sharper images at a 1024×1024 resolution.
KYC necessary for Bixel
Bixel requires KYC checks as a safety measure. “Security and trust are paramount for us. And so, to mint NFTs with Bixel, users are required to complete identity verification.” Binance said.
“This critical measure is in place to maintain a trustworthy and secure platform for all users, aligning with best practices and regulatory requirements.”
This move comes as the AI art space faces criticism of copyright infringement. Artists have raised concerns that generators are repurposing their work for free.
Bixel’s beta tests
Bixel went live for the first time on 1 March 2023. It was introduced to an exclusive group of European users. 10,000 NFTs were minted by the generator in just a few hours.
The AI generator reopened again at the end of March. This time anyone could access the platform. However, it was only available to the first 100,000 users and had a time limit of 13 hours.
The 26 July marks Bixel’s first public launch without any time limitations and minimal user restrictions.
Binance prides itself as democratising the NFT and AI art space. “It’s no longer a playground exclusive to a closed circle of designers or artists. With Bixel, anyone can generate unique digital art and join the fascinating world of NFTs.”
Bixel allegations
But Binance has been accused of stealing the idea for an AI NFT generator. Community member “ggoma” accused the cryptocurrency exchange of copying their idea, Chatcasso.
Chatcasso’s concept allowed users to turn “creative visions into NFTs with AI”. The project won first place in the BNB Chain hackathon earlier this year.
Ggoma tweeted: “We hope that Binance realizes the impact of their actions and takes steps to right their wrongs. Innovation should be encouraged, not stifled by big companies who use their power to crush the little guys.”
A Binance spokesperson denied these allegations, according to CoinTelegraph. The exchange said NFTs and AI are common concepts, which are already being explored by numerous companies.
Binance has since rebranded the NFT generator from Bicasso to Bixel.
