AI Image Generation Updates

Mid-Journey V6.1 Launch

• A significant week for AI image generation with the launch of Mid-Journey's V6.1 model.

• Discussion on Leonardo.ai's acquisition by Canva and its implications for AI imagery and Adobe.

Runway ML Pricing Changes

• Mention of upcoming news regarding Runway ML's Gen 3 pricing, humorously suggesting it might double.

Improvements in Version 6.1

• Version 6.1 is now set as the default model, showcasing improvements over previous versions.

• The enhancements from version 5 to version 6 are noted to be less dramatic compared to earlier updates.

User Interaction and Personalization

• Users can rank images through a task button, selecting aesthetically pleasing options; this process involves ranking 2000 images but is described as relaxing.

• Midge emphasizes that the new personalization model offers improved nuance, surprise, and accuracy in image generation.

New Features: Q Mode and Text Coherence

• Introduction of a new Q mode (command: --Q 2) which enhances texture but may affect coherence.

• Version 6.1 boasts better in-image text coherence, improving overall output quality.

Future Developments in AI Imagery

Upcoming Features and Enhancements

• Reference to "The Book of Elsewhere" by Keanu Reeves as an example of thematic content generated by the model.

• Anticipation for version 7 includes enhanced aesthetics, faster performance, smarter prompt understanding, and improved rendering capabilities.

Stability AI Competitor Release

• Announcement of Flux releasing an open-source competitor to Mid-Journey aimed at stability employees.

Canva's Strategic Acquisitions

Impact on Design Tools Landscape

• Canva’s acquisition of Leonardo.ai signifies a strategic move within the design tools market.

Canva's Recent Acquisition: What Does It Mean?

Overview of the Deal

• The price of Canva's recent acquisition is undisclosed, but reports suggest it was between $78.5 million and $120 million.

Technologies Involved

• The acquisition focuses on integrating Leonardo's new Phoenix model into Canva’s magic media feature, highlighting advancements in real-time universe upscaling technology.

Impact on Users

• The speaker expresses a personal lack of familiarity with Canva but suggests that the integration of Leonardo might encourage more users to engage with the platform.

• A call for feedback from Canva power users about features they find valuable or missing.

Affinity Acquisition Insights

• An interesting aspect of this acquisition is that Canva has also acquired Affinity, known for its one-time purchase model similar to Photoshop.

• Affinity Photo is noted for being developed by former Photoshop creators, emphasizing its quality and user-friendliness compared to subscription models.

Future Developments with Leonardo

• With Canva owning both Affinity and Leonardo, there are questions about whether Affinity will develop its own version of Jen Phil powered by Leonardo.

• The speaker compares Adobe's Jen Phil tool as less creative than Leonardo, suggesting potential improvements in creativity through this integration.

Pricing Concerns in AI Tools

User Feedback on Pricing

• Previous discussions highlighted cost concerns regarding Jen 3’s image-to-video capabilities, indicating ongoing dissatisfaction among users.

Runway Pricing Structure Confusion

• There have been complaints about pricing issues related to runway tools; specifically mentioning a $95 unlimited plan that some users misunderstood as the new pricing structure.

Anticipated Changes