Apple has unveiled a groundbreaking new artificial intelligence tool that has the potential to empower individuals to create animations effortlessly. The Apple Keyframer, an AI animation generator, only requires a still image and a text instruction to operate.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the introduction of MGIE, a novel method for editing photos using text commands.
Apple’s Progress in AI Development
Despite facing criticism for lagging in the AI sector, Apple has been quietly advancing its AI initiatives. While Siri has been deemed less advanced compared to competitors like Google and Amazon, Apple has been utilizing AI in various capacities for over a decade.
Recent revelations indicate that Apple has been actively engaged in diverse AI projects, maintaining a characteristic silence until they are prepared for public disclosure.
Just last week, a research paper and demonstration showcased a method for editing photos simply by articulating desired outcomes to the AI system.
Shortly thereafter, VentureBeat highlighted Apple researchers’ publication of another paper on manipulating graphics through text commands. Apple Keyframe stands out as an AI animation tool that allows users to animate a single image using natural language directives.
For instance, one could transform a static image of Saturn by issuing the command “Make the planet spin.”
Moreover, Keyframer can serve as an idea generation tool. By inputting commands like “Create three designs where the stars twinkle” alongside a graphic of stars, users can spark creativity.
Initially targeted at graphics professionals, Keyframer facilitates rapid idea testing before conventional work begins.
Drawing insights from interviews with animation designers and engineers, Keyframer facilitates the exploration and enhancement of animations through a blend of prompts and direct editing of the output. Additionally, users can request design variations, enabling comparison and ideation.
Apple asserts that Keyframer surpasses existing similar tools in efficacy, as it allows for idea refinement through additional text prompts or manual CSS code editing generated by the AI.
Broad Applications of Keyframer
The utility of Keyframer extends beyond designers and animators to a wider audience.
For instance, a small business seeking social media content could leverage Keyframer to swiftly generate compelling video content for platforms like Instagram or TikTok from static product shots or related images.
Consumers are also likely to embrace Keyframer as an entertaining extension of their current use of photo filters.
While both MGIE and Keyframer are in early development stages, they may not be integrated into the anticipated significant AI advancements in the upcoming “biggest iOS update ever” this year. Nevertheless, these technologies could potentially feature in future Apple devices.
