New models and features in AI image, video, voice and music generation, from Midjourney, Sora, Veo, Suno and more.
Wonder Dynamics just launched Wonder Studio, a web editor that swaps actors for full CG characters without motion capture suits or green screens. The tool tracks movement and matches lighting automatically from a single camera angle, while still exporting clean plates, masks, and editable Blender project files. Why it matters: It automates the tedious 80% of visual effects work, opening big-budget character VFX to indie filmmakers.
YouTube’s new boss Neal Mohan just announced that generative AI features are coming to the platform in the coming months. Creators will soon be able to virtually swap outfits and build fantastical video backgrounds with generative tools. It shows YouTube is ready to integrate generative AI directly into creator workflows while building guardrails.
Runway just unveiled Gen-1, a generative AI model that transforms existing video clips into new visual styles using text prompts or reference images. It can turn everyday footage into full-blown claymations or raw 3D models into finished scenes. Runway is currently granting early research access ahead of a broader rollout.
A Twitch channel called Nothing, Forever has been broadcasting an endless, AI-generated Seinfeld parody for over a month. Powered by GPT-3 and generative algorithms, the system scripts dialogue, voices lines, and directs camera angles in real time. It is glitchy and deeply surreal, but it offers a fascinating look at the future of infinite, automated entertainment.
Metaphysic just announced that its new Metaphysic Live tool will de-age Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in Robert Zemeckis’ upcoming film Here. The generative AI tool creates photorealistic face swaps and de-aging in real time on set, bypassing traditional VFX compositing and letting actors see their younger selves as they perform.
Jimmy Kimmel just celebrated the 20th anniversary of his late-night talk show by staging a conversation with his 2003 self using deepfake tech. The skit mapped a retro photo onto an actor's performance with striking realism, demonstrating how generative video manipulation is quickly graduating from internet demos into mainstream prime-time television.
Shutterstock just rolled out a text-to-image generator powered by OpenAI's DALL-E 2 inside its Creative Flow platform. Crucially, the AI-generated images are immediately ready for commercial licensing, and the company plans to pay contributors whose works helped train the model.
A tech worker just used ChatGPT and Midjourney to write, illustrate, and self-publish a children's book in a single weekend. But after sharing the project online, he faced a massive wave of outrage from artists accusing generative AI tools of stealing their work without consent. Why it matters: The incident highlights the growing clash between fast AI creation and creator copyrights.
Ryan Reynolds just used AI to script the latest Mint Mobile advertisement, continuing his running gag of slashing production costs to pass savings on to customers. While Reynolds acknowledged the ethical debates around AI, he leaned into the technology anyway to deliver his signature meta-humor. Why it matters: Even Hollywood creatives are finding ways to turn AI into both a practical cost-cutter and a self-aware punchline.
ITV is rolling out Deep Fake Neighbour Wars, a new comedy using AI face-swapping from StudioNeural to turn everyday neighbor bickering into celebrity drama. Actors had to keep strictly facing the camera to avoid breaking the synthetic effect. The show hits ITVX on January 26.
Reddit's r/Art moderators just permanently banned professional artist Ben Moran after mistaking their hand-drawn illustration for AI-generated art. Despite Moran providing Photoshop files and sketches as proof of human craft, the moderator doubled down and told them to simply "find a different style." The controversial ruling quickly triggered massive community protests and subreddit blackouts.
Apple just began selling audiobooks narrated entirely by AI-generated voices in Apple Books, tagged as 'Narrated by Apple Books.' The system pairs tailored voices to specific genres like romance and fiction. While production still takes up to two months, it gives independent authors an affordable way into audio—and raises fresh concerns for voice actors.
DeepBrain AI just launched Re;memory, a commercial service that creates interactive digital avatars of deceased loved ones. By training conversational models and video synthesis on personal photos, clips, and pre-interviews, the company hosts 30-minute virtual reunions inside a dedicated memorial showroom.
The Guardian breaks down how image generators like Midjourney and Lensa are rapidly encroaching on commercial illustration, sparking intense pushback over copyright and livelihood. While initiatives like Spawning try to give creators opt-out controls, visual styles remain difficult to legally protect. Why it matters: The question is no longer whether AI can produce art, but how creators will survive alongside tools trained on their life's work.
Synthesia just used five minutes of video footage to create a hyper-realistic synthetic video of soccer legend Lionel Messi speaking fluent English and up to 10 other languages. Messi rarely speaks English in public, and fans pointed out that the lip-sync was eerily convincing. Why it matters: Deep learning video tools are turning cross-lingual video dubbing into a turnkey reality.
Sarah's Scribbles creator Sarah Andersen voiced deep concern after finding out anyone could type her name into an AI generator and mimic her drawing style in seconds. Having previously fought off online trolls who manually altered her comics, she warned that instant automated replication strips away the deeply personal humanity behind an artist's work.
Former Meta engineer just launched QuickVid, a tool that chains together GPT-3, DALL-E 2, and Google text-to-speech to churn out TikTok and YouTube Shorts from a single prompt. It automates scripts, b-roll, voiceovers, and overlays in one go. Why it matters: It turns content creation into a push-button assembly line, raising fresh concerns over automated feed spam.
Poly just launched a generative AI suite that lets designers create 3D textures using simple text prompts or reference images. The tool outputs physically-based rendering maps and has generated over two million textures. Backed by $3.9 million from Y Combinator and other investors, it aims to replace manual asset hunting for game makers.
An essay breaks down the growing tension around AI in the art world, arguing that generative tools should augment human artists instead of replacing them. While algorithms offer exciting ways to experiment with abstract styles and spark new ideas, addressing valid fears about job loss and emotional depth requires treating AI strictly as a collaborative partner.
Picsart just launched its new AI Avatar feature, allowing creators to turn a few uploaded selfies into stylized portraits across looks like Anime and Superhero. Users can immediately polish the results with Picsart's built-in background removal and enhancement tools. It gives mainstream creators an easy on-ramp to trending avatar generators right inside their existing editor.
