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Ask HN: Microsoft Computer Vision API or Google Cloud Vision API?

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Ask HN: Microsoft Computer Vision API or Google Cloud Vision API?

#1
Hi HN community!

I am trying to decide on Microsoft's CV offering vs . Google's CV offering for my B2B startup. Any recommendations from people who have tried both??

Background - We are trying to use images of models uploaded by agencies and deriving labels & image properties. Face detection is something that is an added bonus if possible.

Re: Ask HN: Microsoft Computer Vision API or Google Cloud Vision API?

#3
Depends on the complexity of what you require. I know I might get down-voted for this, but if your task is relatively simple, then roll your own using deep learning. Message me if you want help with this.

I wouldn't rely on either for my own startup, because I dont think these API's will have broad appeal, as a result wont get traction, and will be shutdown with little warning.

I could help you if you want - my email is in my profile

Re: Ask HN: Microsoft Computer Vision API or Google Cloud Vision API?

#4
post #2

I think Microsoft's works better, try also IBM's if you can.

So I tried Microsoft's CV & IBM's AlchemyVision on the same image (since they both have an online demo sandbox). The Microsoft just gave me back more labels and stronger sentiment figures for same labels. Hence narrowed it down to these 2.

Re: Ask HN: Microsoft Computer Vision API or Google Cloud Vision API?

#5
http://www.clarifai.com/

Pricing is more friendly than the other two. The API is nice.

I did like Google's a lot, but the price just wasn't there for me. Especially if you want most processing options.

Microsoft have been in this game a lot longer, but surpisingly a lot of their cool stuff isn't in their APIs. i.e. ability to spot similar images and seamlessly stitch them. This stuff was in their maps products a long time ago, and you can download tools of theirs: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/projects/ice/ but no APIs. Their basic APIs are just basic... so why not save the dime and go with a smaller player offering just the basics but very well instead.

Re: Ask HN: Microsoft Computer Vision API or Google Cloud Vision API?

#6
Interesting looking at Google's Vision API overview, where they explicitly state that facial recognition is not available.

The technology to do this clearly exists, but I gather they are concerned about the potential for abuse. Which makes sense. You could build some very creepy apps with this.

Re: Ask HN: Microsoft Computer Vision API or Google Cloud Vision API?

#9
post #4
post #2

I think Microsoft's works better, try also IBM's if you can.

So I tried Microsoft's CV & IBM's AlchemyVision on the same image (since they both have an online demo sandbox). The Microsoft just gave me back more labels and stronger sentiment figures for same labels. Hence narrowed it down to these 2.

If you tried the Watson vision offering when it was "AlchemyVision" then you may have tried a now out-of-date version of the service. The AlchemyVision and Visual Recognition tiles on Bluemix have recently been combined in a way that utilizes their complementary strengths. Consider retrying the updated service if you'd like!

Disclosure: I work at IBM Watson.

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