At the recent Meta Connect 2024 event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced a new feature that allows creators to utilize AI-powered video avatars, enabling them to create realistic digital representations of themselves. This innovation builds on the AI avatars that were first announced at the previous year's Connect event and became available to creators with the launch of Meta's AI Studio platform in July 2024. Initially, these avatars could only interact with fans through text, but the latest update allows for voice conversations across popular platforms such as Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. During a live demonstration, artist and author Don Allen Stevenson III showcased his video avatar, which was able to respond to questions about his creative process. While the avatar's speech patterns and lip synchronization still require refinement, it presented a convincing likeness and demonstrated the potential for creators to enhance their audience engagement. The AI was capable of handling questions smoothly and recognized when inquiries fell outside its expertise. Meta plans to begin testing these video avatars with users in the upcoming year. Although Meta's offering is not entirely groundbreaking—similar technologies are already available from competitors like HeyGen and Synthesia—its focus on creators and seamless integration across Meta's platforms sets it apart. The reception from creators and fans remains to be seen, especially in light of the mixed reactions to Meta's earlier celebrity AI avatars, which have since been discontinued. Chris McKay, the founder and chief editor of Maginative, emphasizes the importance of AI literacy and strategic adoption in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

TikTok is expanding its AI tools by introducing generative AI avatars for brands and creators. Avatars available to Symphony users include both "stock avatars", pre-built with paid actors and licensed for commercial use, and "custom avatars", crafted to match a creator's or a brand's image. TikTok's new AI-dubbing feature translates content into over ten languages, expanding its global reach.

Meta has introduced an AI Studio for Instagram that allows creators to develop AI-driven features and chatbots for enhanced user interaction. This move, which aims to provide innovative and personalized experiences for users, is part of Meta's broader strategy to integrate more AI tools across its platforms.

Replika offers customizable AI-powered avatars for users to interact with. Users can talk to these avatars through a chat interface, through video calls, or in virtual and augmented reality. This article contains an interview with Replika founder and CEO Eugenia Kuyda, where she discusses how AI tech makes companions possible and what the limits of current models are. Kuyda says the company's goal is not to replace real-life humans, but instead create an entirely new relationship category - a virtual being that can be used for whatever purposes users might need.

Meta has introduced an AI image generator that integrates with its messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. This feature allows users to create images through text prompts, similar to existing AI art generators. During a demonstration at Meta Connect, the author tested the capabilities of this new tool using a Samsung Galaxy S22. The AI, powered by Meta's Llama 3.2 model, is designed to interpret both images and text within a conversational context. The experience highlighted some common challenges faced by users of AI art generators. The author initially requested an image of a family dressed as characters from Sonic the Hedgehog, but the output did not match the envisioned concept. Instead of a family, the AI produced a more generic depiction of a family in costumes, which included a male child. Frustrated, the author attempted to refine the image by changing the background to a space theme and asking for the characters to be depicted as flying. This led to a final image that diverged significantly from the original request, showcasing a man in a Sonic costume alongside three children. The demonstration underscored the importance of specificity when interacting with AI tools. The author reflected on the learning curve associated with using AI, noting that clearer and more detailed prompts might yield better results. As Meta rolls out this feature, it is expected that users will increasingly share AI-generated images on their social media feeds, contributing to the growing presence of AI in everyday digital interactions. In addition to the image generator, Meta has been making headlines for other AI advancements, including the ability to create deepfake videos and engage users in conversations using celebrity voices. These developments are part of a broader trend where AI technologies are becoming more integrated into various aspects of social media and communication.

Snap unveiled a real-time, on-device image diffusion model for creating vivid AR experiences and introduced new generative AI tools for AR creators at the Augmented World Expo. These enhancements, which include a new Lens Studio 5.0 with an AI assistant, aim to make AR content creation faster and more efficient with features like realistic ML face effects, 3D asset generation, and character creation using text prompts.

WhatsApp is developing an AI avatar generator called "Imagine" which uses user-supplied images, text prompts, and Meta's AI Llama model to create avatars. Reference images can be deleted at any time. There's no release date for the feature yet.

Meta is negotiating with celebrities like Awkwafina and Judi Dench to use their voices for its AI digital assistant, seeking extensive usage rights across its platforms. Striking a deal could mean millions in fees for the actors, with safeguards from SAG-AFTRA for AI-generated likenesses. The company aims to present these AI features at its Connect conference in September, after recently canceling a celebrity voice chatbot project.

Instagram's new "AI Studio" lets creators develop AI chatbot versions of themselves. It is currently rolling out as an early test in the US.

Snapchat has announced a new AI video-generation tool for select creators that enables video creation from text and soon image prompts. The tool, powered by Snap's foundational video models, will be available in beta on the web. Snap aims to compete with companies like OpenAI and Adobe but has not shared output examples yet.

Meta's new AI Studio tool will soon allow users without technical skills to create personalized AI chatbots for Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The tool will enable customized interactions with followers and full control over auto-replies.

Meta's new AI Studio allows users to create, share, and discover AI chatbots easily, even without technical skills. The feature is rolling out to Instagram Business accounts in the US and will be available to all Meta users soon, accessible through the web, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

OpenAI has introduced an upgraded feature called Advanced Voice Mode (AVM) for its ChatGPT application, aimed at enhancing the conversational experience for users. This new audio capability is being rolled out to subscribers of the Plus and Teams tiers, with plans to extend access to Enterprise and Edu customers shortly thereafter. The update includes a fresh design, replacing the previous animated black dots with a blue animated sphere, which signifies the availability of AVM. As part of this rollout, users will be notified through a pop-up in the ChatGPT app when they can access the new voice feature. The update also introduces five additional voices—Arbor, Maple, Sol, Spruce, and Vale—bringing the total to nine. This selection of voice names is inspired by nature, reflecting the goal of making interactions with ChatGPT feel more organic and natural. Notably, the voice named Sky, which had drawn legal concerns from actress Scarlett Johansson, is not included in this release. While the Advanced Voice Mode enhances the audio experience, some features from previous updates, such as video and screen sharing capabilities, are still pending. These features were designed to allow ChatGPT to process visual and auditory information simultaneously, but OpenAI has not provided a timeline for their release. Improvements have been made to AVM since its initial alpha testing, with claims of better accent recognition and smoother conversations. Additionally, OpenAI is expanding customization options within AVM, including features like Custom Instructions, which allow users to tailor ChatGPT's responses, and Memory, enabling the AI to remember past interactions for future reference. However, it is important to note that AVM is not yet available in several regions, including the EU, the U.K., and parts of Scandinavia. Overall, the introduction of Advanced Voice Mode represents a significant step in making AI interactions more engaging and user-friendly, while also addressing previous concerns and limitations.

Snapchat is enhancing its AI tools for creators. It introduced Easy Lens at the Snap Partner Summit, a feature that converts plain-English descriptions into augmented reality (AR) Lenses using generative AI through Lens Studio. It also announced Body Morph for generating 3D characters and outfits and new functionalities like icon creation and Bitmoji animations.

Adobe is developing an AI model to generate video, which will be integrated into Premiere Pro later this year. It will feature object addition, removal, and generative extend capabilities. Adobe is collaborating with third-party vendors and addressing deepfake concerns through Content Credentials.

AI is leading to a revolution in communication spurred by OpenAI's GPT-4o, which integrates audio, vision, and text in real time. This shift enables more natural interactions with AI, transforming human-to-AI communication into a central mode of digital interaction and potentially leading to significant societal changes and new startups focused on AI-centric communication.

Generative AI tools are coming to YouTube through Veo, a video generation model from DeepMind that enables creators to generate six-second Shorts clips and backgrounds with text prompts. AI-generated content will be watermarked with SynthID. Other AI updates include tools for titles, thumbnails, and video ideas. Creators persist in their concerns about AI content's impact on originality.

Captions, a video editing app backed by a16z, Kleiner Perkins, and Sequoia Capital, has launched a feature that automates video editing with custom graphics, zooms, music, and more using AI. This tool targets vertical videos of a single person but also allows users to create AI-generated videos from prompts, which can then be edited with the same features.

Creatify is an AI-powered app that generates high-quality marketing videos from a simple product link or a description. The tool analyzes your product listing, then generates a script and video preview. You can customize the voice, avatar, and other elements, then render the final video for marketing use. Creatify offers a free plan that includes credits for 2 video ads.

Virtual influencers are sometimes used instead of human influencers as a means to reach new audiences and showcase new levels of innovation that companies have to offer. The rise of AI and the growth of the creator economy have sparked a resurgence in marketers' interest in these digital personas. The arguments for virtual influencers include low production costs, schedule flexibility, and control over content. Those against cite the high costs for the tech, lack of authenticity or emotion, and potential rate declines for human influencers.

OpenAI is rolling out Advanced Voice Mode (AVM) to ChatGPT Plus and Team users. Enterprise and Edu customers will start receiving access next week. The upgrade makes ChatGPT more natural to speak with and gives the feature a revamped design. It also adds five new voices and adds some of ChatGPT's customization features, including Custom Instructions and Memory.

At the Meta Connect 2024 developer conference, Meta announced a significant enhancement to its advertising capabilities by allowing businesses to create AI-powered chatbots that are embedded within click-to-message ads on platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger. This new feature enables brands to engage directly with customers through automated conversations, providing support, answering inquiries, and facilitating purchases. Meta emphasized that these chatbots can enhance customer interaction and potentially drive sales by addressing common questions and guiding users through the buying process. This move is part of Meta's broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into its advertising products. Earlier in the year, the company introduced tools that allow advertisers to generate ad images and headlines using AI, and it has been testing AI-driven customer support features on WhatsApp. Meta reported that over a million advertisers are utilizing its AI tools, with a notable increase in the number of ads created using these technologies. Despite the promising statistics regarding AI ads, there are concerns about customer preferences. A survey indicated that many consumers would prefer to wait for a human customer service representative rather than interact with an AI chatbot, suggesting that while AI can enhance efficiency, it may not always align with customer expectations for personalized service. Overall, Meta's initiative reflects a growing trend in the advertising industry to leverage AI for improved customer engagement, even as it navigates the challenges of consumer acceptance of automated interactions.

GPT-4o, OpenAI's latest AI model, bridges real-time communication between humans and machines, extending capabilities beyond text to include vision and audio. The AI revolution introduces a new wave of human-to-AI and eventual AI-to-AI interactions, likely impacting the dynamics of our social behaviors and business models. As this technology progresses, its effect on human communication will unfold, potentially catalyzing the creation of innovative companies and software solutions.

Adobe has introduced "Magic Fixup," an AI model leveraging video data to revolutionize photo editing. It was trained on millions of video frames, enabling it to understand object and scene changes under varied conditions and make sophisticated edits while preserving fine details. The technology could drastically enhance workflows across industries such as advertising, filmmaking, and content creation, though it raises ethical concerns about image authenticity.

Luma AI's latest video generator, Dream Machine 1.6, introduces precise tools that allow users to apply 12 camera motions through text prompts. This innovation addresses a significant limitation in AI video generation by offering better control over the resulting clips. Positive feedback from early adopters highlight the considerable upgrade in dynamic motion and user-friendly options. Competing with Runway's Gen-2 and OpenAI's Sora, this advancement demonstrates rapid progress toward achieving near-traditional film quality with AI.

Google is reportedly working on an AI project that lets users talk to chatbots modeled after celebrities, YouTube influencers, and other personalities. The feature will allow anyone to create chatbots by describing their personality and appearance and then converse with them. It involves fine-tuning the Gemini family of language models to mimic the response style of the described character. The project may eventually be integrated into YouTube rather than launched as a standalone product.

Meta has unveiled a set of new generative AI features for advertisers, including image and text generators that speed up creative production. The offerings address a demand among marketers for a greater sense of control in their AI experiments and a guarantee that the end results will meet specific internal brand guidelines, like ensuring the correct colors are present in ads. Meta is also expanding its AI-powered text generation to ad headlines in addition to primary text.

Snapchat has introduced an on-device AI model that enables users to create custom AR lenses from text prompts. A rollout is expected in the coming months for lenses and by year's end for creators. The latest Lens Studio update adds AI tools for generating 3D assets, face masks, and textures from prompts or images. Snapchat's push into AI has also produced AI-generated snaps for subscribers and a ChatGPT-powered chatbot for all users.

YouTube has announced a significant integration of Google DeepMind's AI video generation model, Veo, into its platform, specifically targeting YouTube Shorts. This integration was highlighted during YouTube's Made On YouTube event, emphasizing the growing role of artificial intelligence in content creation. Veo, which was introduced at Google’s I/O 2024 developer conference, is designed to compete with other AI video generation tools like OpenAI’s Sora and Runway. It allows creators to produce high-quality 1080p video clips in various cinematic styles, enhancing the creative possibilities for users. The integration of Veo into YouTube Shorts is seen as a major upgrade from the existing "Dream Screen" feature, which was launched in 2023. Dream Screen enabled creators to generate backgrounds using text prompts, but Veo aims to take this a step further by allowing the editing and remixing of previously generated footage. This new capability will enable creators to generate six-second standalone video clips, which can serve as filler scenes to enhance storytelling and provide smoother transitions in their videos. In addition to the Veo integration, YouTube is rolling out several new features. These include "Jewels," a digital item that viewers can send during livestreams, similar to TikTok's gifting system, aimed at increasing viewer interaction. YouTube is also expanding its automatic dubbing tool to support more languages and is testing a feature that captures a creator's tone and intonation in dubbed audio, enhancing the naturalness of the experience. Furthermore, YouTube is enhancing its Community hubs, allowing for better interaction between creators and their followers, and expanding its "hyping" feature to more markets. This feature allows users to express support for their favorite creators, with videos receiving the most hype points being showcased on a leaderboard. Creators will also have access to AI tools for brainstorming video ideas, generating thumbnails, and responding to comments, further streamlining the content creation process. Overall, these updates reflect YouTube's commitment to leveraging AI technology to enhance user experience and empower creators, positioning itself competitively in the evolving landscape of digital content creation.

Luma Labs' Dream Machine AI video generator version 1.5 boasts improved realism, better text rendering, and faster video generation, which could benefit creators working under tight deadlines. The new model can create five seconds of high-quality video in just two minutes, offering more rapid turnaround times. AI video technology continues to improve and is set to have a major impact on industries such as entertainment, advertising, and education.