OpenAI launches Sora AI video generator

Artificial Intelligence giant OpenAI on Monday unveiled its much-anticipated Sora video generator to the public, stepping into the growing market of AI tools that have raised concerns about their impact on creative industries, AFP reported.

The company, known for ChatGPT, introduced Sora Turbo, an upgraded version that offers notable speed improvements compared to the preview model released in February. Sora Turbo can now produce high-definition videos up to 22 seconds long.

Although major tech players like Google and Meta have also announced video generation tools, none have yet lived up to the high expectations set by the launch of ChatGPT two years ago. 

During the launch event, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the technology’s early-stage development but emphasized that “it’s going to get a lot, lot better.”

The service will be available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, though it is not yet accessible in Europe or the UK. Altman assured viewers that the company is working hard to expand to those regions. 

Basic subscribers can generate up to 50 standard-definition videos per month and have the option to create content in different aspect ratios, as well as incorporate existing media.

OpenAI has implemented several safeguards, such as metadata verification and visible watermarks, to prevent misuse. It is also temporarily restricting the generation of videos featuring real people as part of efforts to combat deepfake content.

Despite the release, Sora faces challenges, with early reviews noting inconsistent realism and struggles with complex sequences. 

One OpenAI employee tempered expectations during the livestream, advising, “If you come into Sora expecting to click a button and generate a feature film, I think you’re coming in with the wrong expectation.”