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Apple releases MGIE open-source AI image editor

Apple releases MGIE open-source AI image editor

In the realm of digital image editing, Apple’s recent unveiling of the Multimodal Large Language Model-Guided Image Editing (MGIE) system marks a significant milestone. This cutting-edge AI tool leverages the capabilities of large language models to interpret and execute complex, instruction-based image modifications, offering users an unprecedented level of control and flexibility. MGIE’s innovative approach combines the power of text and visual inputs to facilitate Photoshop-style adjustments, global photo enhancements, and precise local edits with remarkable efficiency.

Apple MGIE

The development of MGIE embodies Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity, providing a platform that not only simplifies sophisticated editing tasks but also encourages collaboration and innovation within the open-source community. By integrating multimodal learning techniques, MGIE significantly improves upon previous image editing systems, enabling more expressive and accurate interpretations of user instructions. Providing open source competition to the likes of Midjourney and OpenAI’s DallE 3.

Open source image editor

In recent years, the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative tools has led to revolutionary advances in how we interact with digital media. Apple’s introduction of the MGIE system stands as a testament to this ongoing transformation, setting a new standard for AI-powered creativity.

MGIE (MLLM-Guided Image Editing), an open-source AI model developed in collaboration with University of California researchers. This model, highlighted for its ability to perform intricate image manipulations based on natural language instructions, leverages multimodal large language models (MLLMs) to accurately interpret user requests. MGIE enables a wide range of edits, from global photo enhancements like adjusting brightness and contrast to local modifications and Photoshop-style alterations such as cropping, resizing, and adding filters.

iOS 18

Its capability to understand and execute commands like making a pizza look healthier or altering the focus in a photo showcases its advanced common sense reasoning and pixel-level manipulation skills. MGIE’s development, shared at the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR) 2024 and available on GitHub, signifies a major leap forward in AI research for Apple, following closely on the heels of other significant AI projects and the anticipation of generative AI features in iOS 18.

Apple MGIE AI image editor

MGIE represents a bridge between advanced AI capabilities and user-friendly image editing, enabling a plethora of modifications ranging from global photo enhancements like brightness, contrast, and sharpness adjustments to more focused local edits that can alter the shape, size, color, or texture of specific image elements. Furthermore, it excels in Photoshop-style operations, including cropping, resizing, rotating, and applying various filters, offering users an unprecedented level of control over their digital environments.

Multimodal Large Language Model-Guided Image Editing

One of the most remarkable aspects of MGIE is its common-sense reasoning ability, which allows it to perform tasks such as adding vegetable toppings to a pizza to make it appear healthier or enhancing a photo’s contrast to simulate additional light. This level of intuitive operation paves the way for more creative and personalized image editing, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with AI technology.

The collaboration with the University of California and the presentation of MGIE at the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR) 2024 mark a milestone in Apple’s AI research endeavors. Available on GitHub, MGIE invites further exploration and development, providing access to its code, data, and pre-trained models to the broader scientific and creative communities.

AI image generation and manipulation research

This initiative is part of Apple’s broader commitment to AI research, as evidenced by its recent achievements in deploying large language models on iPhones and other devices with limited memory. The development of an “Apple GPT” rival and the “Ajax” framework for large language models underscore the company’s dedication to advancing AI technology. Furthermore, the anticipation of generative AI features in iOS 18, including an enhanced version of Siri with ChatGPT-like functionality, signals a significant shift in how AI will integrate into everyday devices, potentially marking the “biggest” software update in iPhone history according to industry analysts.

MGIE is not just a tool but a harbinger of the future of digital creativity, blending the lines between technological innovation and artistic expression. Its development and open-source release underscore Apple’s vision of a world where technology serves not only to enhance productivity but also to foster creativity and personal expression through intuitive, accessible, and powerful tools. As MGIE evolves, it is set to redefine the landscape of image editing, making advanced AI-driven image manipulation accessible to a wider audience and encouraging a new era of digital artistry.

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Apple Releases watchOS 10.4 beta 2 (Video)

watchOS 10.4 beta 2

Apple recently released watchOS 10.4 beta 2 to developers and this update, part of a broader series of beta releases across Apple’s platforms, brings a mix of stability improvements, minor feature updates, and compatibility adjustments, particularly for users of the Apple Watch Ultra 1. Let’s dive into the details of this release and what it means for developers and early adopters.

The latest beta update, tipping the scales at 435 MB, is now available for developers. This release is in line with Apple’s strategy of rolling out synchronized updates across its ecosystem, including iOS/iPadOS 17.4 beta 2, macOS 14.4 beta 2, tvOS 17.4 beta 2, and the inaugural beta for VisionOS 1.1, aimed at enhancing the Apple Vision Pro experience.

Sporting the build number 21T5196d, watchOS 10.4 beta 2 marks a significant step forward in the development cycle, with a focus on enhancing stability over its predecessors. While continuing the trajectory set by the first beta of watchOS 10.4, this update doesn’t introduce major new features. Instead, it addresses specific issues such as sticker display in messages and rolls out new emojis, including the expressive shaking face and a playful slime emoji, enriching the way users communicate.

In an interesting turn of adjustments, the update introduces a setting that allows users to disable gesture controls on the Apple Watch. This move aims to prevent potential conflicts with the gesture controls of the Apple Vision Pro, ensuring a seamless interaction across devices.

For those who rely on Siri for hands-free assistance, the update brings a welcome enhancement. Users can now set multiple languages for Siri to read messages in, without the need to alter the primary interaction language. Moreover, in Germany, the activation command for Siri has been simplified, allowing users to wake Siri with just the word “Siri,” in addition to the traditional “Hey Siri” command.

Users of the Apple Watch Ultra 1 will be pleased to know that the update maintains stable battery life and smooth performance, with no noticeable degradation in battery health since the commencement of the 10.4 beta testing phase.

For developers and early adopters, the watchOS 10.4 beta 2 update may not bring groundbreaking features, but its focus on improving stability, compatibility, and user experience is crucial. These incremental updates are part of Apple’s commitment to refining its ecosystem, ensuring that each device works seamlessly together, enhancing the overall user experience. We are expecting Apple to release the final version of this new Apple Watch software in early March.

Source Half Man Half Tech

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Apple releases visionOS 1.0.2 for the Vision Pro

visionOS 1.0.2

The new Apple Vision Pro goes on sale tomorrow and now Apple has released a new software update for their AR device ahead of its official launch, visionOS 1.0.2 and this update comes with security updates for the device.

The new software update for the Apple Vision Pro fixes a vulnerability for the mixed reality headset that could have been exploited by hackers, you can see more details about the update below.

visionOS 1.0.2

Released January 31, 2024

WebKit

Available for: Apple Vision Pro

Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited.

Description: A type confusion issue was addressed with improved checks.

WebKit Bugzilla: 267134
CVE-2024-23222

The security update for the Apple Vision Pro was related to WebKit which Apple’s web-based app and their Safari Browser run on, Apple has said that if the bug had been exploited it could allow for malicious code to run on the Apple Vision Pro.

You can find out more details about the new visionOS 1.0.2  software update for the Apple Vision Pro over at Apple’s website at the link below. The device goes on sale tomorrow and it retails for £3,500.

Source Apple, TechCrunch

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Apple releases watchOS 10.4 beta 1 to developers (Video)

watchOS 10.4 beta 1

Last week Apple released iOS 17.4 beta 1 and ipadOS 17.4 beta 1 and now Apple has also released watchOS 10.4 beta 1 for the Apple Watch to developers. This update comes on the heels of the official watchOS 10.3 release, marking a significant step forward in the Apple Watch’s capabilities.

Updating to watchOS 10.4 is a breeze. However, it’s essential to note that your Apple Watch needs to be connected to a charger even if it’s fully charged. The update size may vary, but the process itself is designed to be smooth and user-friendly. The video below from Half Man Half Tech gives us a look at the new beta of Apple’s watchOS.

For those who love expressing themselves with emojis, watchOS 10.4 introduces a variety of new emojis. These are also available in the iOS 17.4 beta, ensuring a consistent experience across your Apple devices.

Users of the latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra will appreciate the new ‘ignore this gesture’ function. It’s part of the Vision Pro device features, aimed at enhancing usability and providing a more intuitive experience.

The ‘Unlock with Apple Watch’ feature now allows users to unlock their iPhone using their Apple Watch. While convenient, the presenter in the video raises a potential security concern – the feature might still unlock the iPhone even when the watch is not being worn. Siri gets smarter with the ability to read messages in multiple languages, not just the default device language. This update allows for a more flexible and inclusive user experience.

A specific update for German users enables Siri to respond to both “Hey Siri” and “Siri” commands, making interactions with your device more natural and efficient.

If you’re considering updating to the beta, exercise caution. It’s advisable to use a backup device or wait for a more stable release, especially if you rely on your device for essential tasks.

Comparing watchOS 10.4 and iOS 17.4 Features

When looking at the broader picture, it’s interesting to note the comparison between watchOS 10.4 and iOS 17.4 features. The iOS update seems to encompass more significant changes, reflecting Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its ecosystem’s functionality and user experience.

Updating to watchOS 10.4 Beta: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are wondering how to update your Apple Watch to the latest beta, here’s a quick guide:

  1. Ensure your Apple Watch is at least 50% charged and placed on its charger.
  2. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
  3. Navigate to ‘General’ and then ‘Software Update’.
  4. Tap ‘Download and Install’ for the watchOS 10.4 beta.

Remember, this is a beta version, so you might encounter some bugs or stability issues. It’s always wise to proceed with caution and consider the importance of your device in your daily routine.

The release of watchOS 10.4 beta 1 is not just about new features; it’s about refining the user experience. Whether it’s through new emojis that allow for more expressive communication or the practical ‘ignore this gesture’ function for the latest Apple Watch models, Apple demonstrates its commitment to enhancing device usability and satisfaction.

We are expecting the final version of Apple’s watchOS 10.4 to be released in early March, along with iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, these updates brings changes to the Apple App Store to comply with the Digital Markets Act in Europe.

Source Half Man Half Tech

Image Credit: Daniel Romero

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Google releases new January Pixel feature drop

Google Pixel

Google has announced the release of a new January feature drop for the Pixel smartphones, this update brings some new features which include the new Circle to Search feature that we saw with the Samsung Galaxy S24 launch.

Other new features included in this release are Magic Compose for Google Messages, the ability to respond with Photomoji, and more, Google is also releasing new Min Green color options for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.

Searching on your Pixel 8 and 8 Pro is getting easier with Circle to Search, rolling out January 31. Google AI unlocks a new way to search anything on your phone, without needing to switch apps. Just long press the Pixel home button or navigation bar and circle, highlight, scribble or tap what you see to get more information from Search, right where you are. Use it to find what clothes a creator wore in a video or get extra help with a tough crossword clue. And with multisearch’s latest AI-powered upgrades, you can ask a more complex question about an image you’re searching so it’s easier to learn more about the world around you, like whether a certain plant needs fertilizer.

Use Google’s generative AI technology to rewrite a drafted message in different styles with Magic Compose on Pixel 6 and newer. You can use this feature to make your messages more concise, professional or dramatic like Shakespeare himself. And this all happens on-device on Pixel 8 Pro, thanks to Gemini Nano, Google’s most efficient model built for on-device tasks.

You can find out more details about the latest Google Pixel feature drop over at Google’s website at the link below, we can expect these features to be released for other Pixel devices in the future.

Source Google

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Apple releases iOS 17.4 beta 1

iOS 17.4 beta 1

Apple has released iOS 17.4 beta 1 for the iPhone, they also released iPadOS 17.4 beta 1 for the iPad, this new update brings a range of new features to the iPhone, plus various performance improvements and bug fixes.

The major change in iOS 17.4 is to the Apple App Store in Europe, from March Apple will allow alternative app stores on the iPhone and iPad to comply with the new European rules on the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

As well as alternative app stores in Europe, there also be alternative payment options and Apple is also making a number of changes to its App Store terms and conditions for developers.

iOS 17.4 will also include streaming game apps worldwide, which means that apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming and other apps will be available as standalone apps worldwide, these were previously only available through a web browser.

The iOS 17.4 beta 1 software update also includes updates for Music and Podcasts, Messaging with Wiri, a range of new Emoji, and more, you can find out more details about this new beta over at Apple’s developer website at the link below. As this is the first beta in the series, it will be a while before the final version lands. Apple has to comply with the new DMA by March, so we should see the iOS 14.1 software released around the end of February or the start of March.

Source Apple

Image Credit Samuel Angor

Filed Under: Apple iPad, Apple iPhone, Top News





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DJI releases Modify its first intelligent 3D model editing software

DJI releases Modify its first intelligent 3D model editing software

In the world of drone aerial surveying, professionals are constantly seeking ways to enhance their workflow and produce more accurate 3D models. DJI Enterprise, a leading name in the industry, has introduced a new software tool that is set to make a significant impact on how these professionals work. DJI Modify is a sophisticated 3D model editing tool that simplifies the editing process, addressing common issues that have previously required a lot of manual intervention. DJI explains more about the new 3D model editing software. DJI  is also offering

“DJI Modify offers a seamless workflow for mapping and surveying professionals, effortlessly integrating with DJI Terra for aerial surveying and modeling. This all-in-one platform caters to the diverse operational needs of industries such as surveying and mapping, urban planning, and emergency response, ensuring efficient model sharing to meet the dynamic demands of various landscapes.”

DJI Modify 3D model editing software features

DJI Modify stands out with its one-click import feature, which seamlessly integrates 3D models from DJI Terra. This eliminates complicated import steps and saves valuable time. The software’s automated system is designed to identify and remove floating parts in large areas without human input, leading to cleaner models and reducing the need for manual cleanup.

One of the most challenging aspects of 3D modeling is dealing with imperfections caused by water reflections, which can affect the accuracy of the models. DJI Modify offers a solution by allowing users to quickly fix these issues. It provides instant previews so that edits can be tracked and adjusted in real-time, ensuring the final product is of the highest quality.

DJI Modify 3D model editing software

Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of drone design and control.

Drone footage 3D modelling software

Editing complex cityscapes is also made more manageable with DJI Modify. The software uses advanced algorithms to identify and remove numerous vehicles per square kilometer, significantly enhancing the urban modeling process. For areas that require more detailed attention, the manual selection tool allows for precise flattening and texture repairs.

“DJI Modify is DJI’s first intelligent 3D model editing software. It features a streamlined and intuitive interface that makes it simple to complete model editing efficiently. Paired with a DJI Enterprise drone and DJI Terra, it forms a comprehensive solution from aerial surveying, modeling, and model editing to sharing these models easily to meet operational needs in surveying and mapping, firefighting, emergency response, and transportation.”

The inpainting technology in DJI Modify is noteworthy for its ability to blend repaired textures seamlessly with their surroundings, making the edits virtually undetectable. This is especially useful when working with complex textures and patterns. The batch repair function is another feature that boosts efficiency by fixing multiple issues at once, such as gaps in building reflections and inconsistencies in road sign textures, ensuring uniformity across the model.

Sharing edited models is also streamlined with DJI Modify’s cloud uploading feature. Users can easily upload their models and share them via a unique link, eliminating the need for additional software or complicated file transfers.

DJI Modify is set to change the way professionals approach 3D model editing from drone aerial surveys. Its smart features are designed to streamline the editing process, making it less labor-intensive and more cost-effective. With this powerful software, professionals can focus on capturing the highest quality aerial data, while DJI Modify takes care of the complex editing tasks.

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Apple releases Ferret 7B multimodal large language model (MLLM)

Apple releases Ferret 7B multimodal large language model

Apple has recently introduced the Ferret 7B, a sophisticated large language model (LLM) that represents a significant step forward in the realm of artificial intelligence. This new technology is a testament to Apple’s commitment to advancing AI and positions the company as a formidable player in the tech industry. The Ferret 7B is engineered to integrate smoothly with both iOS and macOS, taking full advantage of Apple’s powerful silicon to ensure users enjoy a fluid experience.

The standout feature of the Ferret 7B is its multimodal capabilities, which allow it to interpret and create content that combines images and text. This breakthrough goes beyond what traditional text-based AI models can do. The Ferret 7B’s capabilities are showcased in systems like the Google 5.2 coding model and MixL 8X 7B, which are built on Apple’s MLX platform and utilize its unique tools.

  • Ferret Model – Hybrid Region Representation + Spatial-aware Visual Sampler enable fine-grained and open-vocabulary referring and grounding in MLLM.
  • GRIT Dataset (~1.1M) – A Large-scale, Hierarchical, Robust ground-and-refer instruction tuning dataset.
  • Ferret-Bench – A multimodal evaluation benchmark that jointly requires Referring/Grounding, Semantics, Knowledge, and Reasoning.

There’s buzz around the upcoming iOS 18, which is expected to incorporate AI more comprehensively, potentially transforming how users interact with Apple devices. The collaboration between AI advancements and Apple’s silicon architecture is likely to result in a more cohesive and powerful ecosystem for both iOS and macOS users.

Apple Ferret 7B MLLM

Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of  multimodal large language models :

For those interested in the technical performance of the Ferret 7B, Apple has developed the Ferret Bench, a benchmarking tool specifically for this model. This tool will help developers and researchers evaluate the model’s efficiency and flexibility in various situations.

Apple’s approach to AI is centered on creating practical applications that provide tangible benefits to users of its devices. The company’s dedication to this strategy is clear from its decision to make the Ferret 7B open-source, offering the code and checkpoints for research purposes. This move encourages further innovation and collaboration within the AI community.

Training complex models like the Ferret 7B requires considerable resources, and Apple has invested in this by using NVIDIA A100 GPUs. This reflects the company’s deep investment in AI research and development.

Apple multimodal large language model (MLLM)

It’s important to note the differences between the 7B and the larger 13B versions of the model. The 7B is likely tailored for iOS devices, carefully balancing performance with the constraints of mobile hardware. This strategic decision is in line with Apple’s focus on the user experience, ensuring that AI improvements directly benefit the user.

# 7B
python3 -m ferret.model.apply_delta \
    --base ./model/vicuna-7b-v1-3 \
    --target ./model/ferret-7b-v1-3 \
    --delta path/to/ferret-7b-delta
# 13B
python3 -m ferret.model.apply_delta \
    --base ./model/vicuna-13b-v1-3 \
    --target ./model/ferret-13b-v1-3 \
    --delta path/to/ferret-13b-delta

Usage and License Notices: The data, and code is intended and licensed for research use only. They are also restricted to uses that follow the license agreement of LLaMA, Vicuna and GPT-4. The dataset is CC BY NC 4.0 (allowing only non-commercial use) and models trained using the dataset should not be used outside of research purposes.

With the release of the Ferret 7B LLM, Apple has made a bold move in the AI space. The launch showcases the company’s technical prowess and its commitment to creating powerful, user-friendly AI. This development is set to enhance device functionality and enrich user interactions. As Apple continues to invest in AI, we can expect to see more innovations that will significantly impact how we interact with technology.

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Apple releases macOS Sonoma 14.2.1

macOS Sonoma 14.2.1

As well as the new iOS 17.2.1 software for the iPhone, Apple also released new software for the Mac, macOS Sonoma 14.2.1, and this update brings some bug fixes to the Mac, it does not appear to come with any major new features

The new macOS Sonoma 14.2.1 software comes a week after the release of the macOS Sonoma 14.2 software update which included a wide range of new features for Apple’s range of Mac computers.

The previous macOS Sonoma 14.2 software update included a range of new features for the Mac, these included enhancements for PDFs, changes and new features for the Messages app, updates for the Weather app and also the Clockm, plus various other new features,

The new macOS Sonoma 14.2.1 software is now available to download for your Mac, you can install it by going to Settings > Software Update on your Mac, it is recommended that you install the latest version.

Apple also recently released a new beta of macOS Sonoma, in the form of macOS Sonomoa 14.3, we may get to see another new beta of this software this week. Apple is expected to release the final version of macOS Sonoma 14.3 in January, probably sometime around the end of January.

Source Apple

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Apple releases iOS 16.7.4 for older devices (Video)

 iOS 16.7.4

Apple has released iOS 16.7.4 for some of its older devices, the software was released along with iOS 17.2.1 for the current range of iPhones and now we get to find out what is included in this update.

The video below from Half Man Half Tech gives us a look at the new iOS 16.7.4 software update for older versions of the iPhone and iPad and we get to find out what changes are made in this new release.

Primarily, iOS 16.7.4 is an essential update for those devices that are not compatible with iOS 17. This includes popular models like the iPhone 8 series and iPhone X, ensuring that these devices stay efficient and functional.

It’s not just the iOS; Apple has also released updates for other platforms, including iPadOS 16.7.4 and macOS 14.2.1. This ensures a seamless experience across all your Apple devices.

A significant improvement in this update  is the fix for a bug that prevented users from reinstalling deleted built-in Apple apps. You will be pleased to know that this frustrating issue has been successfully resolved.

Updating to iOS 16.7.4 is straightforward. Head to your device’s Settings, tap on General, and then Software Update. The device will guide you through the rest. It’s a small investment of time for a significant boost in functionality and security.

Source & Image Credit: Half Man Half Tech

Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone





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