Spicy new AI tools make it easier than ever to kiss reality goodbye
It sounds like something from a super spy novel, or sci-fi movie. You take a picture of someone, and turn it into a video of them doing things they never actually did. It turns out the future is now, and it doesn't take a tech expert, or super digital editing equipment to get it done... just a phone and 20 seconds.
“Grok” is the “X” version of artificial intelligence, and it has a new feature called “Imagine.” It allows you to bring still pictures to life, but not a life you actually lived. The free app allows a few free examples initially, and it’s very easy to navigate. After choosing a still image, the app will turn it into a short five second mini-movie.
It can be charming. My mother passed away a few years ago, but the picture of us grinning at the camera during the mother-son dance, suddenly, becomes us dancing with very convincing smiles. It can be silly. The app has pre-selected styles to select. I chose a picture of me standing with my pickleball partner on the court. After 20 seconds of rendering, we are seen sliding to the ground laughing until we collide into the net.
