Google Research has just dropped what might be one of its most mind-blowing AI projects yet: Lumiere AI. This generative AI specializes in video creation and manipulation, boasting capabilities that go far beyond the "Generative Fill" feature in Photoshop.
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| google Lumiere AI |
Not only can Lumiere AI conjure up an entire video based on a text prompt, but it can also breathe life into a static image. Imagine animating parts of a photo to create a cinemagraph, or using the picture's style to influence a video, whether it's an existing clip or one born from a text description. And here's the kicker: Lumiere AI can even fill in missing video parts with fidelity so close to reality, the examples shown in the video below will leave you speechless.
But the rabbit hole goes deeper. Lumiere AI can dynamically alter people, their clothes, and objects within the footage. Google showcases a dress change as quick and seamless as if a team of experts spent days on it. Or picture a woman in joggers who, with a simple prompt, is adorned with flowers or transformed into LEGO bricks.
Currently, Lumiere crafts these edits in five-second sequences. What sets it apart is its "space-time U-net architecture" that allows for monolithic sequence creation in one go. Previous systems generated the first and last image, then filled in the gaps through deduction. This one-shot approach is key to the realism of Lumiere's outputs.
Of course, such precision raises concerns about a deepfake tsunami just in time for the next US elections. For now, Google keeps public access in check – no open beta, no internet playground. To truly grasp Lumiere's magic, you have to check out the video below and delve into the research paper by Google's scientists.
A quick recap of Lumiere AI's highlights:
- Generates videos from text and images.
- Applies image style or a text-described style to videos.
- Modifies existing elements, their rendering style, or fills in missing parts.
- Raises concerns about a potential deepfake explosion in the near future.
In a nutshell, Lumiere AI is a game-changer for video creation. It has the power to craft more realistic and engaging films, compelling ads, and immersive educational experiences. But with great power comes great responsibility. We must acknowledge the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. As we move forward, it's crucial for video creators to use Lumiere AI responsibly and for viewers to remain vigilant about the videos they encounter online.