OpenAI takes aim at diffusion models
OpenAI researchers just proposed "consistency models," an experimental technique designed to generate AI images in just one or two steps instead of the hundreds needed by diffusion. While the early output quality isn't mind-blowing, it runs an order of magnitude faster and handles tasks like inpainting and upscaling. Why it matters: If image generators are ever going to run locally on phones without draining batteries, ultra-efficient architectures like this will be the key.