Slow Week in AI: Meta's Threads, Mid Journey's New Pan Feature, Leonardo AI's Upgrade, and More

Introduction

Now and then, the world of artificial intelligence experiences slower weeks, allowing us to catch up with the latest happenings and developments. In this article, we'll cover some noteworthy updates, including Meta's new social media platform called Threads, Mid Journey's innovative pan feature, Leonardo AI's upgraded canvas, and other interesting news from the AI realm. So, let's dive in and explore what you might have missed this week.

Threads: Meta's Response to Twitter

Amidst the buzz in the tech world, one topic that's been making waves is Meta's Threads, a new social media platform. Designed as a response to Twitter, Threads offers similar functionalities while aiming to create a more positive and engaging user experience. Early users have reported a decrease in the negativity often associated with Twitter. With over 95 million posts in just 24 hours, Threads seems to be gaining traction. However, some individuals, already overwhelmed by existing social media platforms, may hesitate to add another one to their lives. Nonetheless, Threads is undoubtedly an intriguing development in the social media landscape.

Mid Journey Introduces the Pan Feature

This week, Mid Journey, an AI platform, unveiled its new pan feature, adding to its impressive array of creative tools. Similar to the zoom-out feature, the pan feature allows users to move the image horizontally or vertically. For instance, when prompted with a scene like a penguin wearing a crown while lounging on a beach, the pan feature enables users to explore the image in different directions. By clicking the arrow buttons, users can shift the image and add additional prompts to further enhance the creative possibilities. The introduction of the pan feature opens doors to exciting new applications and encourages users to push the boundaries of their creativity.

Leonardo AI Enhances the Creative Canvas

Leonardo AI, another prominent platform, introduced its latest upgrade, Leonardo Canvas 2.0. This powerful tool expands the creative possibilities within images. With the updated version, users gain the ability to add elements to existing images, mask specific areas, and bring their imaginative visions to life. In a demonstration, the new features showcased the addition of a crab, the transformation of rocks into crystal-adorned formations, and the placement of a banner. Leonardo Canvas 2.0 empowers users to modify images, creating visually captivating compositions.

AI-Generated Images on Steam and the Ethical Concerns

This week, reports emerged that Steam, a popular gaming platform, has been rejecting games that utilize AI-generated images. Valve, the company behind Steam, expressed caution regarding the legal and ethical complexities surrounding AI images. While not prohibiting the use of AI, they are being vigilant due to concerns over models trained on other artists' work. Valve's approach aims to avoid potential legal issues and ethical controversies surrounding the origin of AI-generated images. As the boundaries and regulations surrounding AI artwork continue to evolve, Steam is taking measures to ensure compliance and avoid being embroiled in any disputes.

Google's Privacy Policy Update Raises Eyebrows

In an update to its privacy policy, Google explicitly stated its intention to scrape and utilize publicly available information to enhance its AI tools. The new policy mentions Google's use of this information to improve services, develop new products, and train its AI models. By using publicly accessible data, such as content posted on the internet, Google aims to optimize its AI capabilities. However, this policy update raises concerns about the extent of user consent and privacy considerations in an era where data usage and AI integration are becoming increasingly intertwined.

OpenAI's Initiatives: Super Alignment and GPT-4 API Access

OpenAI, a leading organization in AI research and development, made significant announcements this week. Firstly, they introduced the concept of "super alignment" and launched a dedicated team to ensure that AI systems remain in alignment with human goals. As AI continues to advance and surpass human intelligence, it becomes crucial to establish alignment between the goals of AI and the goals of humanity. OpenAI recognizes the importance of building safeguards to prevent AI systems from pursuing conflicting objectives.

Secondly, OpenAI revealed that the GPT-4 API would be made available to all, allowing companies to leverage the power of GPT-4 in their own applications. Additionally, users of the OpenAI playground can expect GPT-4 to be added as an option, expanding the range of AI models accessible through the platform. These developments signify OpenAI's commitment to democratizing AI and empowering developers and users with advanced tools and technologies.

Temporary Changes to Chat GPT and Exciting Additions

While exploring recent developments, it's worth noting some changes in the Chat GPT ecosystem. Recently, Chat GPT experienced temporary removal of the browse with Bing beta feature, which allowed users to browse the internet within the application. This measure was taken to address issues related to content display and ensure compliance with content owners' rights. However, users can still browse with Bing for the time being. On a positive note, OpenAI announced the forthcoming availability of Code Interpreter for all Chat GPT Plus users. This new feature will enable users to run code, analyze data, create charts, and perform other computational tasks directly within the Chat GPT environment, further enhancing its versatility.

In Conclusion

Although this week has been relatively slow in terms of AI news, several notable updates and developments have emerged. Meta's Threads brings a new social media experience, while Mid Journey's pan feature offers expanded creative possibilities. Leonardo AI's canvas upgrade empowers users to shape their images, and Steam's caution with AI-generated images highlights the ongoing legal and ethical considerations. Google's updated privacy policy indicates its intention to leverage publicly available information to enhance AI capabilities. OpenAI's initiatives focus on ensuring AI-human alignment and expanding API access. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI, staying informed about these developments is essential to understanding the latest advancements and their implications.