Tag: Generative AI

  • Animon.ai: Generate Anime from Photos in Just 5 Seconds

    Animon.ai: Generate Anime from Photos in Just 5 Seconds

    Key Takeaways

    1. Animon.ai allows users to create 5-second anime clips from static images using generative AI, free of charge.
    2. The service targets both novice and experienced anime creators, drastically reducing the time needed for traditional animation from 72+ hours to about 3-4 minutes.
    3. Animon.ai addresses challenges in the anime industry, including low wages, long hours, and a shortage of animators, by streamlining the animation process.
    4. The platform currently does not include music, sound effects, or voiceovers, but other AI companies can integrate these elements into videos.
    5. While the AI service shows promise, it still has limitations, such as animating only foreground characters, indicating room for future improvement.

    Animon has launched its Animon.ai website, which allows users to create 5-second anime video clips from static reference images. This service is the first of its kind in Japan, providing Japanese-style anime animations through generative AI that can be utilized for an unlimited number of times at no cost.

    Rapid Progress in AI Technology

    In recent years, generative video AI has rapidly developed, with offerings from major AI firms that can generate very realistic scenes and human figures for general applications. However, these solutions are not specifically tailored for creating Japanese-style anime.

    Target Audience for Animon.ai

    Animon.ai is designed for both novice and experienced anime creators looking for an automated way to bypass the labor-intensive traditional method of hand-drawing every frame. According to a company presentation, animating just five seconds of anime can demand over 72 hours of manual effort, which breaks down to roughly 8 hours for storyboarding, 12 hours for key framing, 24 hours for in-between frames, 16 hours for coloring, and 12 hours for piecing the frames together into a video.

    With its free service, animators can simply upload a still reference image and provide a prompt detailing the desired action and movement. The AI takes about 3-4 minutes to generate the necessary frames for a five-second animation, saving users the 72+ hours of manual labor.

    Creative Freedom and Industry Challenges

    This acceleration allows animators to quickly explore different concepts and emotional expressions for a scene, enabling them to concentrate on the creative aspects of storytelling. It also addresses various issues in the Japanese anime sector, such as low wages, extended working hours, and a shortage of animators.

    Animon offers three different service tiers:

    While the main goal of Animon is to streamline the animation process, it does not include music, sound effects, or voiceovers as part of its offerings. Nevertheless, other AI companies have demonstrated that adding these elements to generated videos is quite feasible.

    Limitations and Future Potential

    In a short test to animate a frame from Steins;Gate (which can be seen here), only the foreground character was animated successfully, leaving the background characters untouched. Users should be aware that this advanced AI service still has room for improvement. However, the results might be more than adequate for fan projects like AMVs.

    For those who enjoy drawing, hand-drawn animations can be created using software like Clip Studio Paint, available for purchase here on Amazon.

    Animon.ai, Animon press release, CreateAI on YouTube.

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    Animon.ai: Generate Anime from Photos in Just 5 SecondsAnimon.ai: Generate Anime from Photos in Just 5 Seconds

     

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  • Activision Confirms Use of Generative AI in Call of Duty

    Activision Confirms Use of Generative AI in Call of Duty

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fans were disappointed by the release of the “Necroclaus” loading screen in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, featuring odd visuals like a zombified Santa with six fingers.
    2. The “Gobblegum Mania” loading screen also showcased strange designs, including a hand missing a thumb, raising concerns among players.
    3. Players are urging Activision Blizzard to clarify its use of generative artificial intelligence after previously dismissing real artists.
    4. Steam introduced a new AI disclosure policy in December 2024, but its connection to Call of Duty remains unclear.
    5. Developers may expand the use of AI in gaming, potentially creating entire game levels, following the launch of the Muse AI model.

    When Activision Blizzard released the Season 01 Reloaded update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (available on Amazon) in early December 2024, some fans were a bit disappointed by a new loading screen showcasing “Necroclaus.” This zombified Santa Claus has what appears to be six fingers on a rotting hand, along with presents that have oddly placed ribbons. Additionally, the “Gobblegum Mania” loading screen features another six-fingered hand in a glove grasping several gumballs, but it is missing a thumb. Fans also noticed strange visuals on a calling card from a set of paid downloadable content. Because of these examples, players have been urging the publisher to reveal its use of generative artificial intelligence, particularly after dismissing numerous real artists previously.

    Uncertain Connections to Steam

    It’s still unknown if Steam’s recent AI disclosure policy is connected to Call of Duty or if Valve was already planning to add it to its product pages. However, we do know it was introduced in December 2024. A new note has popped up on the Steam page for Call of Duty BO6, stating:

    The developers explain how their game incorporates AI Generated Content: Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.

    The Future of AI in Gaming

    While this statement confirms the hints and speculation about Call of Duty’s utilization of AI assets, it’s uncertain how the player community will respond. With the launch of the Muse AI model, developers might soon expand their use of artificial intelligence beyond just loading screens and in-game items, potentially creating entire game levels through AI technology.

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    Activision Confirms Use of Generative AI in Call of Duty

     

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  • Microsoft Launches Muse: AI Model for Game Creation

    Microsoft Launches Muse: AI Model for Game Creation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft introduced a new generative AI model named Muse, designed to assist game developers in brainstorming and expanding their projects.
    2. Muse operates as a ‘world and human action model (WHAM)’ and was developed in partnership with Ninja Theory for the game Bleeding Edge.
    3. The model can understand game physics and analyze player interactions in a 3D environment, allowing for updates to older games for modern devices.
    4. Low-resolution gameplay footage created by Muse was trained on over a billion images and controller interactions from seven years of gameplay.
    5. Microsoft is developing a real-time playable AI model using Muse, aimed at enhancing creative processes for developers and improving the accessibility of classic games.

    Microsoft has achieved a significant advancement in the realm of generative AI for video games, unveiling a new model named Muse, which is capable of creating gameplay. This model was designed to assist in brainstorming and support game developers in broadening their projects. Muse operates as a ‘world and human action model (WHAM)’ and was developed in partnership with the game studio Ninja Theory, specifically for their multiplayer battle arena game, Bleeding Edge.

    Insights from Microsoft

    Fatima Kardar, who serves as the Corporate Vice President of Gaming AI at Microsoft, provided insights into the innovative generative AI model. She emphasized that Muse is capable of comprehending game physics and can analyze how the game responds to players’ controller movements in a 3D environment. This functionality will also enable the adaptation of older games, making them playable on modern devices.

    Gameplay Footage and Training

    The company released some low-resolution gameplay footage produced by Muse, which was trained on more than seven years of continuous human gameplay, accumulating over a billion images and controller interactions. The generated footage has a resolution of 300×180 at 10 FPS, which surpasses previous efforts in generative AI for gaming models, yet it still falls short compared to the standard 1920×1080 resolution that gamers expect.

    Future Developments

    Despite this, Microsoft is already working on a real-time playable AI model that is being trained on other first-party games using Muse, which shows great promise. More than just the rendering quality, the ability to consistently generate intricate gameplay sequences highlights the potential of this AI model. The primary aim of this generative AI technology is to aid developers in creative brainstorming and to enhance the accessibility of classic games.

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  • Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Super: Powerful AI SBC Now $249 Worldwide

    Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Super: Powerful AI SBC Now $249 Worldwide

    Nvidia has started the holiday season by refreshing its Jetson lineup with the Jetson Orin Nano Super, claiming it to be ‘the world’s most affordable generative AI computer.’ Even though the Jetson Orin Nano Super is pricier than earlier versions such as the Jetson Nano Developer Kit, it’s still priced at half of what its direct predecessor cost. However, this new Jetson Orin is significantly more expensive than other single-board computers (SBCs) like the Raspberry Pi 5, which currently sells for $72.99 on Amazon.

    Specifications and Pricing

    For a price of $249, Nvidia provides an Ampere architecture GPU featuring 1,024 CUDA cores alongside 32 Tensor cores. Moreover, this GPU is combined with a hexa-core ARM Cortex-A78AE CPU and 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM that works on a 128-bit bus, allowing for a bandwidth of 102 GB/s. Additionally, Nvidia claims that the Jetson Orin Nano Super can achieve up to 67 TOPS (INT8) of AI performance.

    Performance Boost

    To put it simply, the new SBC gives 1.7 times the performance as its predecessor when it comes to generative AI tasks. Right now, the Jetson Orin Nano Super is being sold at retailers like Arrow, Seeed Studio, and SparkFun in one configuration. However, it looks like only Seeed Studio is taking orders at this moment, with shipments expected to start on January 1, 2025. For more information, you can check Nvidia’s website.

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  • FBI Alerts Public to Rise in AI Fraud and Voice Cloning Scams

    FBI Alerts Public to Rise in AI Fraud and Voice Cloning Scams

    The FBI has raised an alert about the increasing use of generative AI in criminal acts, especially in fraud. They indicate that these AI tools allow criminals to execute scams more effectively and with greater detail.

    AI in Fraudulent Activities

    The recent warning showcases how AI assists fraudsters in creating fake social media accounts, crafting persuasive phishing emails, and establishing fraudulent cryptocurrency investment websites. Although producing fake content itself isn’t against the law, its application in fraudulent activities is a growing issue for law enforcement agencies.

    Advanced Techniques Used by Criminals

    Criminals are also leveraging AI to produce lifelike profile images, forge identification documents, and fabricate false celebrity endorsements for imitation products. Scams involving market manipulation are also being powered by AI. Some groups have even resorted to voice cloning to deceive individuals during emergency scams, impersonating relatives in distress. Additionally, AI can generate realistic video footage of executives or authority figures, enhancing the believability of these schemes.

    Recognizing AI-Generated Content

    The FBI’s warning emphasizes the increasing difficulty in distinguishing AI-generated content from real material. Be cautious of indicators like distorted hands or faces, unusual shadows, or unnatural movements in images or video clips.

    To safeguard yourself, the FBI advises establishing secret phrases with family members and verifying any financial solicitations through reliable channels. They underline the importance of not disclosing sensitive information or sending money to individuals you only know through the internet.

    This alert arrives as AI tools continue to advance and become more readily available, complicating the efforts of law enforcement to keep pace.

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  • Nvidia Fugatto 1: Synthesize New Sounds with AI Audio Technology

    Nvidia Fugatto 1: Synthesize New Sounds with AI Audio Technology

    Nvidia has unveiled a new generative AI model that can create audio from simple text prompts and contextual audio inputs, producing unique sounds. The company sees Fugatto 1 "as a tool for creatives, enabling them to quickly realize their sonic dreams and unheard sounds—an instrument for imagination, not just a substitute for creativity."

    Research Insights

    In their research paper, the Nvidia team explains that Large Language Models (LLMs) trained on text can deduce instructions from various inputs. However, LLMs focused solely on audio lack this capability since audio does not carry data indicating how it was generated.

    Technical Details

    Nvidia’s Fugatto 1 employs a unique dataset that encompasses a broad range of sounds, along with a technique for interpreting and managing instructions, known as ComposeableART. This enables the model to generate an emergent dataset that assists it in mixing various sounds, including those it wasn’t specifically trained to process.

    Demonstration Examples

    Nvidia has provided several demonstrations of the model’s capabilities on Fugatto’s Github page. Notable examples include synthesizing a dog barking in sync with electronic dance music, a typewriter softly whispering every letter typed, and even a saxophone that can bark or meow.

    As of now, Nvidia does not have plans to make the model available to the public.

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  • Amazon Ads Revamps AI Video Generation Features for Better Ads

    Amazon Ads Revamps AI Video Generation Features for Better Ads

    While Amazon Ads has been utilizing generative AI for some time, there’s always an opportunity for enhancement. Recently, they introduced a new AI video generator along with a live image feature. These new capabilities are available at no cost and allow users to create videos from a single image.

    New AI Features

    Amazon describes the video generator as a tool that "curates custom AI-generated videos tailored to a product’s distinct selling proposition and features, leveraging Amazon’s unique insights to vividly bring a product story to life." To use this feature, all that is needed is one image of the product. The live image feature, part of the new AI-driven image generator, also aims to create visuals that enhance ad effectiveness.

    Consumer Demand for Video Content

    A recent study by Wyzowl, referenced by Amazon, found that 89% of consumers are eager to see more video content from brands they love. Many merchants face challenges related to time and cost, but AI-driven tools like Amazon’s new video and image generators are set to alleviate these obstacles. Currently, these tools are in the beta phase and are available only to select advertisers in the U.S. Feedback from these users will lead to adjustments and the eventual rollout to more users and markets.

    Special Offer for Amazon Ads Users

    Amazon Ads users can take advantage of Rick Wong’s Ultimate Guide to Amazon Ads: Advance Tactics and Best Practices for Amazon FBA Sellers and Agencies, available for just $2.99 in Kindle format (70% off the list price of $9.99), hardcover for $16.33, or in paperback for $9.99.

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  • Introducing Amazon Q: An Innovative AI-Powered Workplace Assistant by Amazon

    Introducing Amazon Q: An Innovative AI-Powered Workplace Assistant by Amazon

    Amazon Web Services (AWS) has recently launched Amazon Q, an advanced generative artificial intelligence (AI) assistant that aims to revolutionize the corporate sector. This move by Amazon demonstrates its strategic entry into the competitive AI chatbot market, where it will compete with established players like Microsoft and Google.

    Purpose and Innovation

    Amazon Q is a highly sophisticated assistant specifically designed to cater to the unique requirements of corporate customers. Its standout features include conversational Q&A, error troubleshooting, and network issue resolution. What sets Amazon Q apart is its seamless integration into the AWS console, allowing for the infusion of generative AI into various products. This integration enhances workplace efficiency and addresses specific business needs.

    AWS Response to Competition

    In the face of fierce competition from Microsoft and Google, AWS is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to dominate the generative AI space. Although previous initiatives like Bedrock received mixed reviews, AWS has responded strongly by introducing new products and forging partnerships. Collaborations with industry leader Nvidia, known for its AI chips, and the significant investment in AI startup Anthropic showcase Amazon’s determination to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

    Amazon Q Features

    Amazon Q comes equipped with a wide range of features aimed at simplifying tasks for both developers and business users. From personalized recommendations for selecting Amazon EC2 instances to troubleshooting errors and network connectivity issues, Amazon Q seamlessly integrates into the workflow. The assistant’s integration with supported Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) allows developers to seek help and perform actions effortlessly, fostering a dynamic and interactive development environment.

    Market Position and Criticisms

    Despite AWS’s extensive corporate client base, some industry observers remain skeptical. Critics argue that Amazon lacks the name recognition enjoyed by competitors like Microsoft and Google, emphasizing the need for a clearer generative AI strategy. Customer feedback suggests a desire for more transparency and a refined approach to competing in this rapidly evolving space.

    AWS Executive Insights

    In response to competitors, AWS executives have criticized Microsoft’s reliance on OpenAI, highlighting the importance of providing users with a choice of models and providers. They describe the current state of the generative AI field as being in its “early days,” acknowledging the rapid pace of experimentation and learning within the industry.

    Getting Started with Amazon Q

    Users who are eager to leverage the power of Amazon Q can seamlessly engage with the assistant for a variety of tasks, including answering questions, writing code, troubleshooting, workload optimization, and feature development. Integration with AWS Support ensures a comprehensive customer support experience that aligns with the entitlements of the AWS Support plan.

    Amazon Q represents a significant advancement in generative AI, with its tailored features catering to the diverse needs of corporate users. As AWS intensifies its efforts to compete in the AI chatbot space, Amazon Q emerges as a powerful tool poised to reshape how businesses operate. The integration of generative AI into everyday workflows is set to redefine workplace efficiency, solidifying Amazon’s position as a formidable player in the AI landscape.

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  • Generative AI in search by Google now available in over 120 new countries and territories

    Generative AI in search by Google now available in over 120 new countries and territories

    Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is now available in over 120 new countries and territories, thanks to its utilization of artificial intelligence to provide more interactive and informative search results.

    Initially launched in the United States, SGE has expanded to India and Japan, and now includes countries such as Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. A complete list of supported countries and territories can be found on Google’s website.

    To enable SGE in Chrome on desktop, users can visit Search Labs. Access to SGE through the Google app on Android and iOS will be available in the coming week.

    In addition to the expanded availability, Google has introduced four new languages for SGE: Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and Indonesian. This means that users in these countries can now enjoy the benefits of SGE in their native language.

    New Features

    SGE also includes new features that enhance the search experience. Users can now ask follow-up questions directly from search results pages, allowing for a more conversational approach. Additionally, there is now a dedicated ad slot for displaying prior questions and search results, including search ads. These features will be rolled out gradually over the next few weeks, starting with English in the US.

    Google is also working on new AI-powered translation capabilities for SGE. Users will soon be able to indicate the specific meaning they have in mind when asking SGE to translate a phrase with words that can have multiple meanings. This feature is currently being launched in the US for English to Spanish translations, with plans to support more countries and languages in the future.

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  • Soon you can engage in a conversation about the video you’ve just watched with YouTube’s generative AI

    Soon you can engage in a conversation about the video you’ve just watched with YouTube’s generative AI

    YouTube Introduces AI-Powered Features to Enhance User Engagement

    In an effort to improve user engagement and content comprehension on its platform, YouTube is currently testing two new AI-powered features: comment topics and a conversational AI tool. These features are currently in the experimental phase and are being made available to a limited number of YouTube Premium members.

    Comment Topics Tool Simplifies Navigation and Interaction

    The comment topics tool is designed to make it easier for viewers and creators to navigate lengthy comment sections. By utilizing AI, YouTube automatically identifies and organizes comments into relevant themes or topics. This allows viewers to quickly locate specific discussions, while creators can effortlessly engage with their audience on specific aspects of their content.

    Creators also have the option to remove comment topics by deleting individual comments associated with that topic. It is important to note that comment topics are only generated for published comments and do not include blocked or under review comments. Currently, this feature is limited to a select few English-language videos that have extensive comment sections.

    Conversational AI Tool Enhances User Experience

    In addition to the comment topics tool, YouTube is also testing a conversational AI tool. This tool aims to further enhance user experience by providing more personalized and relevant recommendations. By analyzing user interactions and preferences, the conversational AI tool can suggest videos, channels, and topics that align with a user’s interests.

    Through these AI-powered features, YouTube is striving to create a more engaging and user-friendly platform. By simplifying comment navigation and providing personalized recommendations, YouTube aims to improve content comprehension and increase user satisfaction.

    Pricing and Availability

    As mentioned earlier, the comment topics and conversational AI features are currently in the experimental phase and are only available to a limited number of YouTube Premium members. It is unclear when these features will be rolled out to a wider audience. YouTube has not provided any specific pricing details for these features, as they are still being tested and evaluated.

    Overall, YouTube’s introduction of these AI-powered features demonstrates its commitment to enhancing user engagement and improving the overall user experience on its platform. As these features continue to be refined and tested, YouTube users can look forward to a more streamlined and personalized viewing experience.

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