V5, V6, V7? | Midjourney Office Hours Recap Feb 8th 2023 | Midjourney News

Future Tech Pilot
9 Feb 202303:43

TLDRIn the February 8th Mid-Journey office hours recap, David highlighted the introduction of wider aspect ratios and upcoming algorithm adjustments. He emphasized the inherent variability in model training, suggesting that outputs will continually evolve, discouraging attachment to specific styles. Discussion also covered the development of version 5, promising higher resolution and clearer images, with an eye towards future versions. The team is exploring new upscalers for different pricing plans due to cost considerations. Additionally, plans for the Mid-Journey magazine were discussed, indicating the first issue might be free with subsequent issues requiring shipping fees. The session closed with updates on website improvements, including a fast search feature and development on various site functionalities.

Takeaways

  • 📅 David discussed updates from the mid-journey office hours held on February 8th.
  • 🌟 The team released wider aspect ratios, allowing for more creative flexibility but acknowledging potential issues with edge cases.
  • 🔄 Service shifts with aspect ratio changes, aiming for overall improvement but some features may degrade.
  • 🐞 Upcoming updates to Nijiji Journey include bug fixes and minor improvements.
  • 🚀 Training the same model twice yields different results, highlighting the complexity and variability of AI models.
  • 🎨 Advised not to get attached to specific styles or outputs as they may change with future updates.
  • 🔍 The team is considering a version of tiling but is not satisfied with the current iteration.
  • 📸 Early models for higher resolution and clearer images show promise for future versions.
  • 🛠️ Version 5 is in development and addresses some of the sharpness issues found in version 4.
  • 🚀 The team is looking ahead to versions 5, 6, and 7, focusing on consistent, rapid releases for quicker improvements.
  • 🕒 Version 5's release timeline is uncertain, depending on the discovery and resolution of potential problems.
  • 📈 The company is contemplating different pricing plans based on resolution and upscalers, to manage costs and accessibility.

Q & A

  • What new feature was mentioned at the beginning of the office hours recap?

    -The new feature mentioned at the beginning is the wider aspect ratios that were released.

  • How does changing the aspect ratio affect the service?

    -Changing the aspect ratio causes the whole service to shift, potentially making things better overall, but it may also negatively impact some edge cases.

  • What does David say about training the same model twice?

    -David says that if you train the same model twice, it will come out differently due to the variations that are hard to control.

  • What advice does David give regarding attachment to specific styles or outputs?

    -David advises not to get attached to anything specific like a style or an output because it's not guaranteed to always be available as they progress.

  • What is the current status of the tiling feature?

    -The team has a version of tiling but they're not happy with it, so they might put more effort into version 5.

  • What are the potential improvements in version 5?

    -Version 5 promises higher resolution, clearer images, and more details right, without the sharpness bug present in version 4.

  • How does the team plan on releasing new versions?

    -The team plans on consistent releases that can improve more quickly, rather than trying to include all possible features in each version.

  • What is the timeframe for the release of version 5?

    -The release timeframe for version 5 is uncertain; it could be in two weeks or a month and a half, depending on whether they encounter any problems.

  • What is the team's approach to handling resolution in the future?

    -The team is considering handling resolution differently by putting different upscalers into different price plans, which may refer to raw pixel count.

  • What is the concern regarding the new upscalers?

    -The concern is that the new upscalers will be expensive to run and may consume a lot of GPU minutes, potentially causing users in the 10 tier to burn through their minutes quickly.

  • What is the update on the mid-journey magazine?

    -International shipping costs are too high to offer it for free, so they are considering making the first issue free and then charging for shipping afterward.

  • What new features are being worked on for the website?

    -The website is getting a very fast search feature, in-painting, a zoom-out feature, and they are working on hiring more people.

Outlines

00:00

🔄 Mid-Journey Office Hours Recap: Updates, Versioning, and Future Plans

This video provides a detailed recap of the mid-Journey office hours held on February 8th, where David highlighted recent updates and future plans for their service. Notable points include the introduction of wider aspect ratios for images, indicating flexibility in image formatting while cautioning about potential edge case issues with algorithm changes. David discussed the ongoing development of their models, mentioning the transition from version 4 to version 5, which promises higher resolution and clearer images without the sharpness issues present in version 4. Despite the excitement for these improvements, David set realistic expectations due to the unpredictable nature of technological advancements and version releases. He also touched on possible changes to the service's pricing structure, particularly concerning new upscaling technologies that could impact GPU usage costs. Additionally, the team's thoughts on making the service more accessible were shared, alongside discussions about the mid-Journey magazine's approach to physical distribution and website enhancements, including a fast search feature and new artistic tools.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡aspect ratios

Aspect ratios refer to the proportionate relationship between the width and the height of an image or video frame. In the context of the video, it is mentioned that the service now supports a wider range of aspect ratios, allowing for more flexibility in the presentation of content. This change, however, may lead to adjustments in the overall service and potential issues with edge cases, indicating that while providing more options is beneficial, it also introduces complexities in maintaining a consistent user experience.

💡algorithm updates

Algorithm updates refer to the process of improving or modifying the mathematical models and rules that drive software functionality. In the video, it is mentioned that changes to the algorithm can lead to variations in the output, such as differences when training the same model twice. This emphasizes the dynamic nature of software development, where continuous adjustments are necessary to achieve desired outcomes and address unforeseen issues.

💡bug fixes

Bug fixes are the corrections made to software to address errors, defects, or issues that may hinder its functionality or user experience. In the video, the speaker mentions that there are bugs that need to be fixed in the service, indicating an ongoing effort to improve and maintain a smooth and efficient user experience.

💡versioning

Versioning is the process of labeling and organizing different iterations of a product or software, allowing for the tracking of changes and improvements over time. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the comparison between new and old versions, highlighting the iterative nature of software development and the continuous effort to enhance and refine the product. This also touches on the concept of version control, which is crucial for managing and deploying updates effectively.

💡tiling

Tiling, in the context of digital images and software, refers to the process of fitting together smaller images or elements to create a larger, seamless pattern or canvas. The video mentions that the team is working on a version of tiling but is not satisfied with the current results, indicating that they are exploring ways to improve the seamless integration of images or other digital elements within their service.

💡resolution

Resolution refers to the clarity and sharpness of an image, determined by the number of pixels that make up the dimensions of the image. In the video, the discussion around resolution touches on the development of new upscalers, which are intended to improve the pixel count and enhance the image quality. This reflects the ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of technology and provide users with higher-quality visual content.

💡GPU minutes

GPU minutes refer to the measure of computational resources consumed by processing tasks on a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), which is a specialized hardware accelerator for handling graphics and image-related computations. In the context of the video, the speaker expresses concern about the cost of running new upscalers due to their high GPU minute usage, highlighting the balance between technological advancement and the financial feasibility of providing these services to users.

💡rating system

A rating system is a method of evaluating and quantifying the quality or performance of something, often based on user feedback or predefined criteria. In the video, the speaker mentions the unveiling of a new rating system, suggesting an upcoming feature that will allow users to assess and provide feedback on the content or services offered. This reflects the company's commitment to engaging with its user base and incorporating their input to improve the platform.

💡digital magazine

A digital magazine is an online publication that resembles a traditional print magazine in terms of content and layout but is accessed and read through digital devices. In the video, the speaker expresses a preference for physical magazines over digital ones, emphasizing the tangible and experiential aspects of physical objects. This perspective highlights the company's values, which include the importance of physical manifestations and sharing tangible creations with their audience.

💡website improvements

Website improvements refer to the process of enhancing the design, functionality, and user experience of a web platform. In the video, the speaker mentions that the team is working on several updates for the website, including a fast search feature and other user-oriented enhancements. This indicates the company's ongoing commitment to providing a better online experience for its users and addressing the needs and feedback of the community.

💡hiring

Hiring refers to the process of recruiting and employing new staff members to join a company or organization. In the video, the speaker mentions that the team is trying to hire more people, indicating a period of growth and expansion for the company. This suggests a need for additional resources and expertise to support the development and maintenance of their services.

Highlights

Introduction of wider aspect ratios in the latest release, allowing for more creative flexibility.

Acknowledgment that service shifts and some edge cases may get worse when aspect ratios are changed, indicating a trade-off in feature updates.

Upcoming small updates to fix bugs in niji Journey, showing continuous improvement and attention to user experience.

Fascinating insight that training the same model twice can yield different results, highlighting the complexity and variability of AI models.

Advice not to get attached to specific styles or outputs as they may not always be available due to constant changes and improvements.

Discussion about the uncertainty of improving current features, with the team considering focusing on version 5 instead of perfecting version 4.

Mention of early models for version 5 that show promise with higher resolution and clearer images, indicating a potential leap in quality.

Admission that version 4 lacks sharpness due to an unknown bug, which the team is actively trying to address.

Exploration of version 5 and beyond, with the team looking at versions 6 and 7, showing a forward-thinking approach to development.

Emphasis on consistent releases for quicker improvements rather than trying to pack each version with all possible features.

Caution that initial images look good but the full exploration and discovery of edge cases are yet to be done, highlighting the iterative nature of development.

Potential timeline for version 5 release, ranging from two weeks to a month and a half, depending on problem-solving.

Plans for a new rating system that will be unveiled when the time is right, aiming to enhance user interaction and feedback.

David's discussion on handling resolution differently in the future, possibly introducing various upscalers into different pricing plans.

Consideration of the cost of new upscalers and the challenge of making them accessible without burdening lower-tier users with excessive GPU minutes.

The team's uncertainty about the final form of new upscalers and whether they will be essential or just a bonus for users.

Challenges with international shipping costs making it unfeasible to offer the mid-journey magazine for free, leading to potential changes in distribution.

Preference for a physical magazine over a digital one, emphasizing the importance of tangible objects and shared experiences.

Ongoing work on the website with new features like fast search, in-painting, and a zoom-out feature, aiming to enhance user experience and functionality.

Efforts to hire more people to support the development and growth of the platform, showing a commitment to scaling and improving services.