OpenAI introduces AI model that turns text into video

Microsoft-backed OpenAI has announced the development of Sora, a groundbreaking software capable of generating minute-long videos based on text prompts. Revealed on Thursday, the company highlighted Sora’s versatility, stating it serves both red teaming purposes and aids visual artists, designers, and filmmakers in soliciting feedback on the model’s output.

In a statement, OpenAI described Sora’s capabilities, emphasizing its proficiency in constructing complex scenes featuring multiple characters, specific motions, and detailed backgrounds. Notably, the software can produce multiple shots within a single video, enhancing its utility for creative endeavors.

Furthermore, Sora extends its functionality beyond video generation, as it can animate still images, offering a broad range of creative possibilities for users. The development of Sora follows OpenAI’s previous success with ChatGPT, a chatbot renowned for its ability to compose emails, write code, and craft poetry, which garnered attention upon its release in late 2022.

This advancement comes amidst heightened competition in the field of generative AI, with Meta Platforms (META.O), the parent company of Facebook, enhancing its image generation model, Emu, with two AI-based features capable of editing and generating videos from text prompts last year. Meta Platforms aims to challenge industry giants such as Microsoft, Google (GOOGL.O), and Amazon (AMZN.O) in the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI technology.

However, OpenAI acknowledges that Sora is a work-in-progress, conceding potential challenges such as spatial detail confusion in prompts and difficulty in adhering to specific camera trajectories. Nonetheless, the company reassures ongoing development efforts, including the creation of tools to distinguish videos generated by Sora from other sources.

With Sora’s introduction, OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation, offering a promising tool for both creative endeavors and technical assessments in the evolving digital landscape.