There’s some exciting news for Android users who enjoy dabbling in the world of digital video creations. OpenAI, a trailblazing organization in the realm of artificial intelligence, has extended the availability of its video application Sora to Android. Initially launched for iOS in September, the app is now accessible via the Google Play Store in a plethora of regions. These include the US, Canada, as well as several Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
If you’re unfamiliar with Sora, this innovative app allows users to create, share, and even remix AI-generated videos. Unsurprisingly, considering the popularity of social media platforms centred around video content, Sora experienced an enthusiastic reception right out of the gate. After its initial launch on iOS, the application saw an impressive count of over 1 million downloads across the following five days.
As for the app’s features, Sora follows in the footsteps of the popular platform TikTok by presenting the user with a feed full of AI-generated videos. But that’s not all. Sora takes things a step further with its “cameo” feature. This unique aspect allows users to personify their AI creations by making themselves or their friends the star of the show. However, the innovative app is not without its share of controversy.
The “cameo” feature, for instance, has been met with some criticism due to how it handles deepfakes. Deepfakes, or synthetic media in which a person’s image or voice is replaced by AI-generated replicas, are a hotly debated issue due to potential misuse. Sora initially received backlash for its approach to deepfakes and copyright protections, leading to a policy change from the OpenAI team. Initially allowing rightsholders to opt-out, OpenAI reversed this stance in response to the feedback.
This hasn’t deterred OpenAI from introducing new features to Sora, though. An exciting enhancement is the addition of “character cameos” that utilize reusable avatars. In the future, OpenAI also intends to roll out a feature giving rightsholders the chance to charge extra for the cameos of beloved characters and people. This empowered stance demonstrates a commitment to balancing out the potential and the pitfalls of AI technology while recognizing and addressing legitimate concerns.
As OpenAI continues to listen to users, refine their policies, and introduce new features, the future of Sora looks incredibly promising. Coupling the thrill of creating unique content with the potential revolutions of AI technology promises an authentic marriage between creativity and digital advancement. While it’s yet to be seen how these changes will affect the landscape of user-generated video content, it’s clear that Sora is an innovative force to be reckoned with.
Original article: The Verge
