With AI being the buzzword of 2023, an increasing number of companies are entering the rapidly intensifying race. However, Meta stands out as one of the few in the field that is using generative AI for mass market products like Instagram. Now, thanks to its advancements in this space, the company is introducing a new AI media editing tool called ‘Backdrop’ to Instagram, as revealed by Ahmad Al-Dhale, Meta’s lead for generative AI.
Initially, Backdrop will only be available to Instagram users in the US. This tool allows you to easily tweak or completely overhaul your image’s background with just a few taps. This is accomplished by adding prompts, similar to how you use other generative AI-based tools like ChatGPT. Ahmad mentions that prompts like “chased by dinosaurs" and “surrounded by puppies" are effective, and practically, you can input anything you can think of, such as multiple cars in the background, unicorns, and more.
To try out this tool, users can tap the dedicated backdrop button at the top of a new story to get started. After completing the edits, the backdrop tool removes the background of your images and replaces it based on your prompt. When you share the image on your story, a “Try it" sticker will appear on the image, allowing your followers to experience this backdrop feature for the first time.
On that note, this appears to be a lighthearted glimpse into the possibilities of generative AI moving forward. It also serves as a reminder of how easily images can be altered and professional-looking edits can be made.
In related news, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO, has shared a new post on his Instagram account that gives us our first look at how its new Meta AI multimodal model can both “see and hear" using the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Meta is introducing this functionality for customers to try through an early access program.
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