🚀 Midjourney Office Hours Highlights: September 11th

In the latest Midjourney Office Hours on September 11, 2024, the team shared a bunch of exciting updates and projects they're working on. The highest focus still lies on the personalization system. However, the team is busy working on all fronts to improve existing features as well as release cool new tools and features. Here's a laid-back rundown of what’s coming up. Check out the comprehensive summary of what was shared. If you prefer to just get the gist of it, jump down to the TL;DR; section.

Extended Recap

Here's a detailed recap of what was shared:

Personalization System 🎨

Midjourney is putting a significant focus on enhancing its personalization features. The goal is to increase the adoption of basic personalization, making it a default setting in some modes. A new "batch 8" mode is in development, which will feature a larger grid with higher image variety. This mode aims to naturally personalize user experiences over time through selections, refining results to better match individual preferences.

Image Editor 🖼️

A new editor mode for external images is currently being tested. This mode will come with heavy moderation features to ensure a safe and respectful environment. To address privacy concerns, non-saving sessions may be the default setting, allowing users to edit images without saving them.

Video Model 🎥

The video model is improving on a weekly basis and is expected to be released before the end of the year. It will be compatible with both Niji and non-Niji styles, showing more effectiveness with illustrative styles than photographic ones. The aim is to offer this feature at a lower cost than upscaling but more expensive than static images.

3D Model 🌐

One of the most ambitious projects is the 3D model, which aims to convert Midjourney images into 3D. This will allow for limited camera movement and target a rendering speed of 60 frames per second. The team is also considering implementing a camera path system for pre-rendered video output.

Midjourney Version 7 (V7) 🔄

Currently in its training phase, Version 7 is expected to be released sometime between now and the end of the year. This version aims to offer faster processing, improved quality, and better language understanding. Enhanced multilingual capabilities will also be a key feature, including better handling of idioms and colloquialisms.

Upcoming Features and Improvements 🌟

The Explore Page is set to receive improvements in personalization algorithms and content diversity. More sophisticated masonry and ranking systems for various aspect ratios are also in development. Additionally, a new storytelling tool, currently being tested by guides and moderators, is planned for release this year. This tool will focus on world-building rather than just image creation and will feature a completely different UI from the current Midjourney interface.

Hardware Projects 💻

Multiple hardware projects are in the pipeline, with more than two currently in development. Announcements regarding these projects are expected later this year.

Research and Data Analysis 📊

A study on demographic and aesthetic preferences is underway, analyzing regional, cultural, and demographic differences in image preferences. A paper on this study is expected to be released within a month. Additionally, an upcoming psychometric survey aims to understand the connections between personal values and aesthetic preferences.

Company Structure and Hiring 👥

Midjourney is actively recruiting for various positions, especially in web development, with a particular focus on front-end development.

Miscellaneous 📝

There are ongoing considerations about allowing NSFW content in images, potentially tied to higher-tier annual subscriptions. Niji personalization is now available, and plans are in place to improve the folder experience within the next month. However, the addition of sub-folders is not immediate. Advanced personalization has been delayed to focus on improving the onboarding process for basic personalization.

TL;DR;

Personalization System 🎨: Enhancements and new "batch 8" mode.

Image Editor 🖼️: New mode with heavy moderation, non-saving sessions.

Video Model 🎥: Release before year-end, compatible with Niji styles.

3D Model 🌐: Convert images to 3D, 60 fps rendering.

Midjourney V7 🔄: Faster, better quality, improved language understanding.

Upcoming Features 🌟: Improved Explore Page, new storytelling tool.

Hardware Projects 💻: Multiple projects, announcements this year.

Research 📊: Demographic study, psychometric survey.

Hiring 👥: Active recruitment, focus on front-end web development.

Miscellaneous 📝: NSFW considerations, Niji personalization, folder improvements.

Stay tuned for more updates as Midjourney continues to innovate and enhance its platform!

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