AI is not taking a vacation; in fact, it is only getting stronger.
The Haiper AI upgrade adds 8-second video generation. The London-based AI platform for visual content creation today released Haiper 1.5, an 8-second video generation feature of its widely used video generation tool. The announcement follows Haiper’s release and $13.8 million seed round earlier this year, which puts the company in head-to-head competition with the much more heavily funded RunwayML, Pika, and Luma Labs. OpenAI’s Sora and China’s Kuaishou Technology’s Kling are producing longer videos. Since its launch in March, Hapier has topped 1.5 million users. The latest product update also features an integrated upscaler tool that enhances content to HD quality, with a still image generation tool coming soon.
From left to right: Artificial Agency founders Andrew Butcher, Alex Carney, Michael Johansson, and … [+]
Artificial Agency emerges from stealth with $16M funding to bring generative behavior to games. The Edmonton-based company plans to create AI-driven characters and systems with situational awareness and contextually correct responses. By incorporating AI-driven decision-making into every aspect of the game, developers can create characters with distinct personalities, goals and behaviors. This approach allows for scripted interactions with a dash of improvisation or fully emergent gameplay. The $16 million funding round was led by Radical Ventures, Toyota Ventures, and other notable investors including Flying Fish, Kaya, BDC Deep Tech and TIRTA Ventures.
JigSpace Raises $13 Million The 3D presentation platform, which turns CAD models into ready-to-use “jigs,” has been featured four times during Apple’s keynotes, and the Apple Vision Pro and iPad come with a demo app pre-installed. CEO Zac Duff aims to expand his team in Melbourne, open an office in the US, and further develop the product with the proceeds. The investment came from Breakthrough Victoria to coincide with the Australian release of Apple Vision Pro. Other investors include Aura Ventures, Anorak Ventures, Rampersand, Investible, Vulpes Ventures, and angel investor Hugh Bickerstaff. The funding follows a $6 million Series A round raised in 2021.
An AI documentary about Brian Eno. It makes sense. The film is uniquely produced each time, with bespoke software designed by Hustwit and Brendan Dawes. This innovative approach, which includes 30 hours of interviews and 500 hours of footage, promises 52 quintillion versions, turning every screening into a different experience. Hustwit’s endeavor pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, reflects Eno’s legacy in generative art, and challenges static cinematic norms. Evolving with every screening, “Eno” showcases new forms of storytelling and sets the stage for the future of generative filmmaking. The film is currently screening at Film Forum in New York, AFS Cinema in Austin, and two theaters in the UK.
Lincoln Center’s Snapchat “ghost variation” was created by Alexis Zerafa and Sophie Kahn.
A new location-based Snapchat augmented reality experience called “Ghost Variation” is coming to Lincoln Center in New York. This free outdoor experience premieres on Saturday, July 20 and will be available through August 10. The experience, a collaboration between creative technologist Alexis Zerafa and digital artist and sculptor Sophie Kahn, visualizes mental health through Snapchat’s augmented reality lenses. A QR code can be found in the lobby of Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, as well as on the website and in Snapchat Explorer.
TCLtv+ Bowing Streamer’s first AI-generated sci-fi short filmThe ad-supported streaming service has announced its first AI-generated sci-fi short film, “Message in a Bot.” Debuting today on YouTube and X, the film will premiere on TCLtv+ on July 22. The film uses advanced technology to explore humanity’s response to an alien spaceship that crash-lands on Earth. TCL seeks to differentiate itself in the streaming market through innovative applications of AI in content development.
Ilgiza is a Russian artist and UX/UI designer.She has been working on AI for film for about a year. Her AI short “Loneliness” was produced using Luma Labs Dream Machine. “My research started with Pikalabs tools. They have a very strong Discord community and run daily competitions. I won 10 times and became a Pikalabs super collaborator. I then became a creative partner for tools like Pixverse, Runway, Luma ai, Nim, Morph, and others, which gave me access to the early features of the tools and allowed me to use them unlimitedly.”
This column, formerly called “This Week in XR,” is also a podcast. The show is hosted by author Charlie Fink, former studio executive and co-founder of Red Camera Ted Szylowitz, and Magic Leap founder Ronnie Abovitz. This week’s guest is Sarah Nagy, founder and CEO of Seek AI. Listen on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.
What we’re reading
Why Olympic Venues Will Use Digital Twins (BBC)
An interview with Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney and author and entrepreneur Neal Stephenson (MatthewBall.co)
