📰Trace Lab Newsletter #8

🌍 Hello Tracers!🌟

In today's newsletter, we're diving into some exciting developments in the AI world that are set to transform our industry. NBC is taking a bold step with AI-generated sportscaster Al Michaels to deliver personalized Olympic highlights. Runway's latest AI video generator, Gen-3 Alpha, promises groundbreaking capabilities for content creation. TIME has struck a multi-year partnership with OpenAI, integrating its vast archives to enhance AI model training. Lastly, Google Translate's massive expansion adds 110 new languages, breaking down barriers and preserving endangered dialects. Let's explore how these innovations can inspire and impact our work at Trace.

LATEST NEWS

NBC
🏅 NBC Launches AI-Generated Al Michaels for Olympic Recaps

NBC is set to revolutionize Olympic coverage by launching "Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock," featuring an AI-generated version of legendary sportscaster Al Michaels. This innovative feature will debut for the 2024 Paris Games, allowing subscribers to receive personalized highlight reels narrated by the AI recreation of Michaels' iconic voice.

Key points:

• Customizable Recaps: Subscribers can tailor their 10-minute recaps based on preferred sports, athletes, and content types, all narrated by an AI clone of Michaels' voice.

• Voice Training: The AI system was trained on Michaels' past broadcasts to replicate his unique style, with his approval.

• Massive Variability: NBC estimates nearly 7 million unique recap variations will be generated throughout the Olympics.

• Human Oversight: All AI-generated content will be reviewed by human editors for accuracy before being released.

Read more here

Why It Matters for Trace: The use of AI in media production, as demonstrated by NBC's initiative, underscores the growing potential of AI to personalize and enhance content delivery. For Trace, this highlights opportunities to integrate similar AI technologies to create tailored viewing experiences, streamline content creation, and engage audiences in innovative ways.

RUNWAYML
🚀 Runway Gen-3 Alpha AI Video Generator Now Available

Runway has officially announced that its AI video generator, Gen-3 Alpha, is now available to all users. Following its release in mid-June, the model has garnered attention for its impressive and viral outputs.

Key Points:

• Next-Gen Model: Gen-3 Alpha is the first in Runway's new series of models designed for learning 'general world models,' significantly enhancing video fidelity and consistency.

• Feature Upgrades: Key improvements include better character and scene consistency, advanced camera motion techniques, and seamless scene transitions.

• Access Plan: Gen-3 Alpha is available under Runway’s ‘Standard’ $12/month plan, providing users with 63 seconds of generation time each month.

• Hands-On Workshop: Runway will conduct a free workshop this Friday on creating AI commercials using Gen-3, ElevenLabs, and Midjourney.

Read more here

Why It Matters for Trace: Runway's Gen-3 Alpha represents a significant advancement in AI video generation, rivaling recent releases from competitors like KLING and Luma Labs. This tool can empower Trace teams to produce unique B-roll segments, diversifying content beyond standard video libraries. However, the limited generation time on non-unlimited plans may pose a challenge for heavy users.

TIME x OPENAI
📰 TIME Partners with OpenAI in Multi-Year Content Deal

TIME has entered a new multi-year licensing agreement and partnership with OpenAI, bringing its extensive 101-year archive of content to ChatGPT and other AI model training products.

Key Points:

• Archive Access: TIME’s archive, spanning over a century, will be used to train OpenAI’s models, enhancing the accuracy and depth of responses to news queries.

• Content Integration: ChatGPT and other OpenAI products will include TIME content in their responses, featuring citations and links back to the original articles on Time.com.

• Technological Exchange: TIME will utilize OpenAI’s technology to develop new features for readers and integrate AI-powered tools on their website.

• Industry Trend: TIME joins other major media companies like AP, NewsCorp, and Vox in collaborating with OpenAI, amidst ongoing legal challenges from entities like the New York Times.

Read more here

Why It Matters for Trace: This partnership highlights a growing trend in the media industry: the integration of AI to enhance journalistic practices and content delivery. For Trace, it underscores the importance of leveraging AI to provide accurate and enriched content while also preserving historical data. This trend aligns with the need to adapt and innovate in media production and content management, ensuring that valuable archives are maintained and utilized effectively​

GOOGLE
🌍 Google Translate's Largest Expansion Ever: 110 New Languages Added

Google has announced a significant update to its Google Translate service, adding support for 110 new languages, thanks to the power of the PaLM 2 LLM model. This expansion marks the largest single addition of languages in the history of Google Translate.

Key Points:

• Global Reach: The new languages collectively represent over 614 million speakers, covering approximately 8% of the world's population.

• AI-Powered Expansion: Google's PaLM 2 model facilitated this expansion by efficiently learning and translating closely related languages.

• Diverse Additions: Included in the new languages are major ones like Cantonese and regional languages such as Wolof, Fon, and Punjabi (Shahmukhi). Some languages with no current native speakers, aimed at preservation, are also part of the update.

• 1,000 Languages Initiative: This addition is part of Google’s broader initiative to support all of the world's spoken languages, striving to include 1,000 languages eventually.

Why it Matters for Trace: The ability to break down language barriers with advanced AI translation capabilities is a significant step for global communication. For Trace, this means improved accessibility to diverse content and the potential to engage with a broader audience. Moreover, the preservation and revitalization of endangered languages align with Trace's commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.

TRAINING

TRAINING
📚 Important 6 Steps GPT-4 Prompts Checklist to Get the Best Results

Context is everything when crafting the perfect ChatGPT prompt. Our 6-step Prompt Checklist is a proven method for generating highly effective, context-specific responses.

Step-by-Step:

1. Task: Clearly define the end goal.

2. Context: Provide relevant details about the situation and background.

3. Examples: Include sample text to demonstrate the desired style.

4. Persona: Adopt a specific viewpoint or character if needed.

5. Format: Specify the output structure you want.

6. Tone: Indicate the preferred emotion and language style.

Pro Tip: When using the checklist, the order matters the most. Not all steps are necessary, but the more context you provide — the better the results.

Example Using the 6 Steps: Finding a New TV Talk Show Idea for Trace Africa

Prompt:

"Generate a new TV talk show idea for Trace Africa, a channel focused on African music, culture, and entertainment (1). The goal is to create a show that showcases African talent and engages viewers with contemporary content (2). Previous successful shows include 'Top 10 Africa' and 'Trace Sessions.' (3) The new show should be hosted by a charismatic and knowledgeable presenter familiar with African pop culture (4). Provide a detailed show outline including the title, format, target audience, segments, and potential guests (5). The tone should be vibrant, energetic, and engaging, appealing to a young and dynamic audience (6)."

NEW PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

GPTs and AI Tools Spotlight

• 🎥Briefy.ai: An innovative tool designed to automate the process of video content creation. It transforms scripts into engaging video presentations, saving time and enhancing the quality of visual storytelling.

• 🎨Leonardo.ai: A powerful AI tool for generating creative assets. Whether you need illustrations, concept art, or detailed designs, Leonardo.ai leverages AI to bring your creative visions to life efficiently.

• 🚀RunwayML: This platform provides cutting-edge AI tools for creators. With capabilities ranging from video editing to generating synthetic media, RunwayML empowers artists and media professionals to push the boundaries of their work.

• 📊Plus AI for PowerPoint: Enhance your presentations with this AI tool that integrates seamlessly with PowerPoint. It offers features like automated slide creation, design suggestions, and data visualization, making it easier to create impactful presentations.

• 🧑‍🏫MagicSchool.ai: Tailored for educators and content creators, MagicSchool.ai provides AI-driven tools to develop educational content. It assists in lesson planning, content generation, and interactive learning modules, making educational content creation more efficient and engaging.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…

AI Paving the Future: Embracing Change Together

As we wrap up this edition of the newsletter, we wish all our Tracers who are heading off on holiday a restful and enjoyable break. Take the time to relax and recharge. We hope you find inspiration in the latest AI advancements we've covered and look forward to seeing how these innovations will influence our work at Trace. Stay curious, stay creative, and until next time, happy holidays and happy innovating!

Stay curious and keep learning!

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Thank you for staying informed with us, and keep an eye out for the next edition where we'll continue to bring you the latest and greatest in AI innovation. Together, let's keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in media and beyond!