# Exploring the Future of AI: Innovations and Insights
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Chapter 1: A New Era of Generative AI
Welcome! This marks my weekly roundup of developments in the AI landscape, which I also share through my newsletter at Lore.com. I’m thrilled to have you with me as we navigate the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence together.
Over the past few months, my interest in generative AI's potential for creative endeavors has surged. I had been observing remarkable outcomes from DALL-E on social media, but I lacked direct access to the tool.
Then, while working on a personal C++ gaming project, I gained access to GitHub Copilot. The experience was astonishing; I could input a few comments, and it would generate entire sections of code that typically functioned correctly. What an incredible advancement!
Subsequently, I stumbled upon MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and OpenAI. I quickly realized how rapidly this field is evolving. AI constantly occupies my thoughts, and I’m filled with ideas about its transformative impact on our future. Yet, staying updated on AI developments feels nearly like a full-time job due to the swift pace of change.
Having spent over a decade in Silicon Valley witnessing groundbreaking technology, and being involved in the cryptocurrency space since 2013, I can confidently say that the current AI landscape is the most inspiring and revolutionary phenomenon I’ve encountered. It feels like we’re on the brink of a new era, with an uncertain but exciting future ahead. My enthusiasm for artificial intelligence is palpable.
Every day, I immerse myself in AI research, eager to share my findings with others so we can collectively learn and grow. Let’s dive into today’s highlights:
- Biggest Innovation of the Week: Stable Diffusion on mobile devices.
- Key Learnings: MidJourney combined with Motionleap yields impressive results.
- Fundraising News: Significant funding rounds for Stability AI and Jasper.
- Coolest Development: MidJourney alongside Unreal Engine is reshaping game design.
BIGGEST INNOVATION THIS WEEK
This week, I was particularly impressed by a demonstration from Amjad Masad, the founder of Replit. Currently, a major hurdle for those interested in AI-generated art is the necessity for a powerful graphics card or the expense of cloud services. For M1 Mac users like myself, the setup can be even more complex.
In his demo, Amjad showcased Stable Diffusion operating locally on a smartphone.
This technology has the potential to democratize access, as Amjad suggests it could soon be available to millions globally. The implications of widespread access to this technology from mobile devices are monumental!
THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK
Combining MidJourney with Motionleap has proven to be a game-changer. I’ve been experimenting with various methods to create AI art that garners attention on social media. While videos tend to perform well, they require considerable effort to perfect.
The most efficient approach I’ve discovered is generating art on MidJourney and then adding subtle animations using the Motionleap app. Simple effects like animated rain or a moving book can significantly enhance engagement, and the process is quite straightforward.
AI writing is also on the verge of significant improvement. Sources indicate that two startups are showcasing impressive private demos that haven’t yet been made public. One of them, called Lex, has generated considerable buzz, with a waitlist currently around 25,000. The concept involves a text editor that provides real-time suggestions, which sounds like a tool I could greatly benefit from. According to the founder, they aim to open access soon.
REGULATORY CHALLENGES FOR AI
This week, a group of Congress members raised concerns about the safety of Stable Diffusion. Additionally, a website has been launched to promote a lawsuit against GitHub, alleging that Copilot infringes on individuals' rights by learning from open-source code.
I sense this is just the beginning of regulatory discussions. The implications of AI technologies can be daunting, and I understand the concerns. Nevertheless, I believe AI is an inevitable progression in our technology-driven society. It’s crucial that American lawmakers approach AI regulation thoughtfully, as it could profoundly impact the nation’s future.
FUNDRAISING UPDATES
Stability AI, the creators behind Stable Diffusion, successfully secured a $101 million seed round. Meanwhile, Jasper, the AI writing platform, raised an impressive $125 million in Series A funding.
COOLEST THING THIS WEEK
I was blown away by a video showcasing an artist using MidJourney and Unreal Engine 5 to craft a 3D world. The accompanying thread detailed the entire creative process.
Imagine a future where game designers can simply describe their vision and instantly receive a digital environment to work with. This transformative approach allows for rapid modifications as they interact with the AI. As someone who began their career in gaming, I find the prospects for the future of game design exhilarating.
FURTHER STUDY
I came across an incredible add-on for Stable Diffusion that integrates with Blender.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the world of generative AI! I’ll be sharing insights weekly on Medium, and I’m eager to have you all involved in this exploration.
Until next week!
- Nathan Lands
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