👉 Microsoft reveals AI-Generated ad went unnoticed

Microsoft has disclosed that a minute-long advertisement for its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, released on January 30, was created using generative AI. The company explained that while the ad incorporates AI elements, it also features live footage to enhance realism.

In a blog post, Microsoft noted that the team used AI to develop the script, storyboards, and visuals, but had to correct some AI-generated content due to inaccuracies. Despite being online for nearly three months and garnering over 40,000 views, few viewers recognized the AI components.

The process involved extensive iterations with various AI tools to achieve the desired output, ultimately saving the team significant time and resources. Microsoft emphasizes that AI is becoming a valuable tool for creative processes rather than a replacement for human designers.

👉 Character.AI launches AvatarFX for lifelike AI Video creation

Character.AI has introduced AvatarFX, a new video generation model designed to create lifelike chatbots and animate characters in various styles and voices. Currently in closed beta, AvatarFX allows users to generate videos from both text and preexisting images, enabling the animation of real people's photos.

The model leverages a state-of-the-art diffusion video generation approach, trained on a curated dataset to produce high-quality, consistent videos rapidly. Users can simply upload an image and select a voice, resulting in characters that speak and emote with realism.

With integrated audio capabilities, AvatarFX aims to enhance interactive storytelling, offering a unique experience for users looking to bring their characters to life.

👉 Academy states AI won't impact Oscar eligibility

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated its eligibility guidelines for the Oscars, stating that the use of generative AI does not negatively impact a film's chances for nomination. Instead, the Academy emphasizes that the effectiveness of AI tools will be judged based on the extent of human creativity involved in the filmmaking process.

This acknowledgment marks the first official mention of AI in the Academy's rules. While there were discussions about requiring filmmakers to disclose AI usage, the final guidelines focus on the creative contributions of humans, suggesting that the integration of AI can coexist with traditional storytelling methods in the industry.

👉 Adobe adds new AI models to Firefly

Adobe has released two new versions of its Firefly text-to-image generative AI model, enhancing its suite of AI tools alongside updates for Photoshop and Illustrator. The fourth-generation Firefly models offer users a choice between a fast, efficient variant and a more robust option for complex tasks, allowing image generation in up to 2K resolution with improved control over style and detail.

In addition to the new models, Adobe has introduced Firefly Boards, a collaborative moodboarding app, and plans for a Firefly mobile app for iOS and Android. The Firefly web app now also supports third-party AI models for experimentation, while Adobe's own models are marked as commercially safe, reflecting the company's commitment to using licensed content for training its AI.

👉 AI radio host goes unnoticed in Australia

An Australian radio station has been using an AI-generated DJ, named Thy, to host a four-hour segment called Workdays with Thy, without listeners realizing the host is not a real person. This show, which features a mix of hip hop, R&B, and pop music, airs on the Sydney station CADA.

The owner of CADA, ARN Media, confirmed that Thy's voice and likeness were modeled after an actual employee from the company's financial department. The AI voice was created using ElevenLabs technology, allowing the segment to run for months without audience awareness of its AI origin.

👀 Creative picks

Welch's® Launches AI Tool for Personalizing Lunchbox Notes

Welch's® Fruit Snacks has introduced the Lunchbox Notes Translator, a unique AI-powered tool designed to transform parental sentiments into heartfelt messages for lunchbox notes. Developed in partnership with Makers with AI, this innovative tool allows parents to input candid messages, which the AI then enhances into more enthusiastic and encouraging notes. This initiative complements the limited-edition Lunchbox Notes boxes, which feature writable wrappers filled with Welch's® Fruit Snacks made from whole fruit and rich in vitamins A, C, and E.

According to Jason Levine, CMO of Welch's® Fruit Snacks, the goal of the Lunchbox Notes Translator is to ease the note-writing process for parents while fostering connections with their children. The tool dynamically adjusts messages to create uplifting alternatives, making it easier for parents to leave meaningful notes. Available for a limited time, the Lunchbox Notes boxes can be found at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Publix, while the translator is accessible online until June 15, 2025, at lunchboxnotestranslator.com.

_{Credits: Welch's / Makers with AI}

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🔥 Join the creative AI revolution

THE MAHAZINE (AI magazine for creatives) [Numero 4, Winter 2025]

Most creatives are undergoing a seismic shift. The AI revolution is moving at lightning speed. AI is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it's the new reality. While others are still figuring out the basics, a select few will be shaping the AI creative movement.

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✨ Realism & Surrealism, Reimagined: Explore how to blend these powerful styles with the help of AI, creating art that is both familiar and utterly unique.

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