Snapchat Launches Its First Free Open-Prompt AI Lens in the US

Snapchat Unveils Free “Imagine Lens” for All Users

Snapchat is excited to announce its first open AI image generation feature, the “Imagine Lens,” now available to all users at no cost. Initially launched in September exclusively for paid subscribers, this new Lens allows everyone to personalize their Snaps using creative prompts or even generate unique images.

Transform Your Snaps with Fun Prompts

Users can unleash their creativity by entering prompts like “Turn me into an alien” after capturing a selfie, or even request whimsical images of a “grumpy cat.” This innovative tool is perfect for exploring Halloween costume ideas or reimagining your friends’ appearances.

Share Your Creations With Friends

Once you’ve generated your masterpiece, you can easily share it with friends or post it directly to your Snapchat Story, expanding your audience beyond the app.

Competing in the AI Landscape

Snapchat’s broader rollout of the AI Lens comes in response to recent launches from competitors like Meta with Meta AI and OpenAI’s Sora, which offer even more advanced AI tools aimed at engaging the younger audience. Sora, for instance, allows users to create videos of themselves after providing a one-time video and audio recording, facilitating shared experiences through AI-generated personas called “cameos.”

A Strategic Move for Snapchat

Recognizing the competitive pressure, Snapchat’s decision to open the AI image Lens to all users appears to be a strategic investment. Previously, this feature was only available to Lens+ and Snapchat Platinum subscribers, but now a limited number of generations are accessible to free users as well.

Global Expansion Plans

Initially, free users in the U.S. can enjoy the new Lens, with plans to expand to other markets, starting with Canada, Great Britain, and Australia shortly thereafter.

How to Access the New Lens

To find the Lens, simply look for it at the front of the in-app Lens Carousel, or search by name. You can edit your prompt by tapping the caption or choose from preloaded suggestions for inspiration.

Lens Engagement Statistics

Snapchat reports that its users engage with Lenses over 8 billion times each day, highlighting the immense popularity and potential of this feature.

Sure! Here are five FAQs regarding Snapchat’s release of its first open prompt AI Lens:

FAQ 1: What is the new open prompt AI Lens on Snapchat?

Answer: The new open prompt AI Lens is an interactive feature that uses artificial intelligence to generate unique visual effects based on user input. By providing prompts, users can create personalized AR experiences and share them with friends.

FAQ 2: How can I access the open prompt AI Lens?

Answer: To access the open prompt AI Lens, simply open the Snapchat app, swipe to the camera screen, and then select the “Lens Explorer” option. You can find the AI Lens in the featured section and start using it for free.

FAQ 3: Are there any costs associated with using the AI Lens?

Answer: No, the open prompt AI Lens is available for free to all users in the United States. You can use it without any subscription or hidden fees.

FAQ 4: Can I create my own prompts for the AI Lens?

Answer: Yes! Users can input their own creative prompts to generate customized AR effects, allowing for a highly personalized experience tailored to individual tastes.

FAQ 5: Is the AI Lens available globally?

Answer: Currently, the open prompt AI Lens is only available for free users in the United States. There may be plans to expand its availability to other regions in the future. Keep an eye on updates from Snapchat for any changes!

Source link

OpenAI’s Budget-Friendly ChatGPT Go Plan Launches in 16 New Asian Countries

<div>
    <h2>OpenAI Expands Affordable ChatGPT Go Plan to 16 New Asian Countries</h2>

    <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI is swiftly rolling out its budget-friendly ChatGPT Go plan, priced under $5, to 16 additional countries across Asia, enhancing accessibility and user engagement.</p>

    <h3>Countries Now Accessing ChatGPT Go</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new subscription tier is now available in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, East Timor, and Vietnam.</p>

    <h3>Flexible Payment Options for Local Users</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Users in select nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan, can now pay in their local currencies. In other regions, the subscription will cost approximately $5 in USD, subject to local taxes.</p>

    <h3>Enhanced Features with ChatGPT Go</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">ChatGPT Go provides users with increased daily limits for messages, image generation, and file uploads, as well as double the memory of the free plan, allowing for more tailored responses.</p>

    <h3>Rapid User Growth in Southeast Asia</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The expansion follows a remarkable growth in OpenAI's weekly active user base in Southeast Asia, which has surged by up to four times. Launched first in <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/18/openai-launches-a-sub-5-chatgpt-plan-in-india/">India</a> in August and then in <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/22/after-india-openai-launches-its-affordable-chatgpt-go-plan-in-indonesia/">Indonesia</a> in September, the service has seen paid subscriptions in India double since its debut.</p>

    <h3>Competing in the Affordable AI Space</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a bid to broaden its market reach, OpenAI is up against Google, which introduced its own <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://x.com/GeminiApp/status/1965490977000640833">Google AI Plus plan in Indonesia</a> just last month, expanding to over 40 countries. This plan includes access to Google’s advanced AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, alongside creative tools for various media formats and 200GB of cloud storage.</p>

    <h3>Strategic Developments and Future Vision</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The expansion comes during a crucial phase for OpenAI. At their <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://openai.com/index/introducing-apps-in-chatgpt/">DevDay 2025</a> conference in San Francisco, CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT has now reached 800 million weekly active users globally, a jump from 700 million in August.</p>

    <h3>Transforming ChatGPT into an App Ecosystem</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company introduced a platform shift aimed at transforming ChatGPT into an ecosystem resembling an app store. Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT, mentioned, “Our goal is for ChatGPT to function like an operating system where users can utilize various applications tailored to their needs.”</p>

    <h3>Aiming for Profitability Amidst Growing Costs</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite its rapid expansion and a substantial $500 billion valuation, OpenAI reported a $7.8 billion operating loss in the first half of 2025 as it continues to invest heavily in AI infrastructure. The introduction of budget-friendly subscription options like ChatGPT Go is seen as a vital step toward profitability, especially in burgeoning markets where OpenAI and Google are fiercely competing for customer loyalty.</p>

    <div class="wp-block-techcrunch-inline-cta">
        <div class="inline-cta__wrapper">
            <p>TechCrunch Event</p>
            <div class="inline-cta__content">
                <p>
                    <span class="inline-cta__location">San Francisco</span>
                    <span class="inline-cta__separator">|</span>
                    <span class="inline-cta__date">October 27-29, 2025</span>
                </p>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

This revision optimizes the content for SEO while ensuring clarity and engagement, with properly structured headers and a concise summary.

Here are five FAQs regarding OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go plan expansion to 16 new countries in Asia:

FAQ 1: What is the ChatGPT Go plan?

Answer: The ChatGPT Go plan is an affordable subscription service from OpenAI that provides users access to enhanced features, functionalities, and usage limits of ChatGPT, designed for everyday users and businesses looking for efficient AI interactions.

FAQ 2: Which countries in Asia are getting access to the ChatGPT Go plan?

Answer: The ChatGPT Go plan has expanded to 16 new countries in Asia, although the specific countries have not been listed publicly yet. For the latest updates and country details, please check OpenAI’s official announcements.

FAQ 3: How can I sign up for the ChatGPT Go plan?

Answer: Users can sign up for the ChatGPT Go plan directly on the OpenAI website or through the ChatGPT app. Look for the subscription options in your account settings to begin enjoying the new features.

FAQ 4: What specific benefits do I get with the ChatGPT Go plan?

Answer: Subscribers to the ChatGPT Go plan enjoy benefits such as faster response times, priority access during peak hours, and advanced capabilities for more complex queries, enhancing overall user experience.

FAQ 5: Will there be any changes to existing free plans in the newly added countries?

Answer: While specific changes have not been announced, users in the newly added countries can continue using the free version of ChatGPT. However, the introduction of the ChatGPT Go plan may provide a more robust option for those seeking enhanced features.

Source link

OpenAI Launches New Delhi Office to Strengthen Its Presence in India

<div>
    <h2>OpenAI Expands Into India: New Office and Local Team to Enhance AI Adoption</h2>

    <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">In an exciting development, OpenAI has announced its first office in India, coinciding with the launch of a ChatGPT plan specifically designed for Indian users. This strategic move aims to harness the burgeoning AI market in the country.</p>

    <h3>New Office and Local Hiring: A Commitment to India</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Friday, OpenAI unveiled plans to establish a corporate office in New Delhi, alongside building a local team. This initiative builds on the company's recent hiring activities, including the appointment of Pragya Mishra, formerly of Truecaller and Meta, as the public policy and partnerships lead in India. Additionally, OpenAI has engaged Rishi Jaitly, the former head of Twitter India, as a senior advisor to aid in discussions with the Indian government on AI policy.</p>

    <h3>Capitalizing on India’s Massive Market</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the second-largest internet and smartphone market globally, India presents a lucrative opportunity for OpenAI. The company joins a competitive landscape, vying with tech giants like Google and Meta as well as AI newcomers such as Perplexity, to connect with a vast user base.</p>

    <h3>Enhancing Local Engagement and Product Relevance</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI has initiated local hiring to strengthen relationships with Indian partners, businesses, governments, and academic institutions. This strategy includes gathering feedback from Indian users to tailor products and develop specific features for the local market. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, emphasized that this commitment marks a significant step in making advanced AI accessible across India.</p>

    <h3>Upcoming Initiatives: Education Summit and Developer Day</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to establishing an office, OpenAI will host its first Education Summit in India this month, with plans for a Developer Day later this year, further engaging the local tech community.</p>

    <h3>Navigating Challenges in the Indian Market</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite the promising prospects, OpenAI faces hurdles, particularly the challenge of converting free users into paying subscribers in a price-sensitive market. This issue mirrors challenges faced by other AI firms as they look to monetize their offerings in South Asia.</p>

    <h3>Affordability and Competitiveness in AI Solutions</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recently, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Go, priced under $5 (₹399 per month), aimed at making AI services more accessible. This development comes shortly after Perplexity announced a partnership with Bharti Airtel, providing its services to over 360 million subscribers.</p>

    <h3>Legal Challenges and Content Integration</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI also faces legal challenges in India, including a lawsuit from Asian News International for alleged copyright infringement. This case highlights the complexities involved in integrating AI solutions with local businesses.</p>

    <h3>Government Support: A Boost for AI Development</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the Indian government actively promoting AI across various sectors, OpenAI aims to leverage this momentum. Altman notes that India possesses the essential elements required to emerge as a global AI leader — from exceptional tech talent to strong government initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission.</p>

    <h3>OpenAI’s Existing Presence in Asia</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">India will not be OpenAI’s first Asian office; the company has previously established bases in markets such as Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. However, many observers note that while India holds promise, securing enterprise customers remains a significant challenge for AI firms.</p>

    <h3>Conclusion: A Strategic Step Forward</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted OpenAI's decision as a reflection of India’s growing leadership in digital innovation and AI adoption, emphasizing an inclusive ecosystem for AI development. OpenAI's partnership is set to advance this vision, ensuring that the benefits of AI reach all Indian citizens.</p>
</div>

This structure optimizes the article for SEO and presents the information in an engaging and accessible manner.

Here are five FAQs regarding OpenAI’s announcement about its new office in New Delhi:

FAQ 1: Why has OpenAI opened a new office in New Delhi?

Answer: OpenAI has opened a new office in New Delhi as part of its strategy to expand its footprint in India, allowing for closer collaboration with local talent and businesses, as well as fostering innovation in artificial intelligence.

FAQ 2: What will be the focus of the New Delhi office?

Answer: The New Delhi office will primarily focus on research and development in AI, collaboration with local startups, and engaging in partnerships to enhance AI applications tailored for regional needs.

FAQ 3: How will this expansion benefit OpenAI’s operations?

Answer: This expansion will enable OpenAI to tap into India’s diverse talent pool, facilitate easier engagement with local markets, and strengthen its commitment to responsible AI development in one of the world’s largest tech ecosystems.

FAQ 4: Will there be job opportunities available at the New Delhi office?

Answer: Yes, OpenAI plans to hire a range of professionals for various roles at the New Delhi office, including positions in research, engineering, and support functions, contributing to the growth of its operations in the region.

FAQ 5: How does this expansion fit into OpenAI’s global strategy?

Answer: Establishing a presence in New Delhi aligns with OpenAI’s global strategy to enhance its collaborations across different markets, leveraging regional expertise to drive innovation and responsible AI development on an international scale.

Source link

HunyuanCustom Launches Single-Image Video Deepfakes with Audio and Lip Sync Capabilities

<div id="mvp-content-main">
    <h2>Introducing HunyuanCustom: A Breakthrough in Multimodal Video Generation</h2>
    <p><em><i>This article explores the latest release of the multimodal Hunyuan Video model—HunyuanCustom. Due to the extensive scope of the new paper and certain limitations in the sample videos found on the <a target="_blank" href="https://hunyuancustom.github.io/">project page</a>, our coverage here will remain more general than usual, highlighting key innovations without delving deeply into the extensive video library provided.</i></em></p>
    <p><em><i>Note: The paper's reference to the API-based generative system as ‘Keling’ will be referred to as ‘Kling’ for consistency and clarity.</i></em></p>

    <h3>A New Era of Video Customization with HunyuanCustom</h3>
    <p>Tencent is launching an impressive new version of its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unite.ai/the-rise-of-hunyuan-video-deepfakes/">Hunyuan Video Model</a>, aptly named <em><i>HunyuanCustom</i></em>. This groundbreaking model has the potential to render Hunyuan LoRA models obsolete by enabling users to generate 'deepfake'-style video customizations from a <em>single</em> image:</p>
    <p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em><b><i>Click to play.</i></b></em></strong><em><i> Prompt: ‘A man listens to music while cooking snail noodles in the kitchen.’ This innovative method sets itself apart from both proprietary and open-source systems, including Kling, which poses significant competition.</i></em>Source: https://hunyuancustom.github.io/ (Caution: resource-intensive site!)</span></p>

    <h3>An Overview of HunyuanCustom’s Features</h3>
    <p>In the video displayed above, the left-most column showcases the single source image provided to HunyuanCustom, followed by the system's interpretation of the prompt. Adjacent columns illustrate outputs from several proprietary and open-source systems: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.klingai.com/global/">Kling</a>; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vidu.cn/">Vidu</a>; <a target="_blank" href="https://pika.art/login">Pika</a>; <a target="_blank" href="https://hailuoai.video/">Hailuo</a>; and the <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/Wan-Video/Wan2.1">Wan</a>-based <a target="_blank" href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.02436">SkyReels-A2</a>.</p>

    <h3>Sample Scenarios and Limitations</h3>
    <p>The following video illustrates three key scenarios essential to this release: <em>person + object</em>; <em>single-character emulation</em>; and <em>virtual try-on</em> (person + clothing):</p>
    <p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em><b><i>Click to play</i></b></em></strong></span><em><i><span style="font-size: 10pt">. Three examples edited from supporting materials on the Hunyuan Video site.</span></i></em></p>

    <p>These examples highlight a few challenges, predominantly stemming from the reliance on a <em>single source image</em> instead of multiple angles of the same subject. In the first clip, the man keeps a frontal position, limiting the system's ability to render more dynamic angles accurately.</p>

    <h3>Audio Capabilities with LatentSync</h3>
    <p>HunyuanCustom utilizes the <a target="_blank" href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.09262">LatentSync</a> system for synchronizing lip movements with desired audio and text inputs:</p>
    <p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em><i>Features audio. Click to play.</i></em></strong><em><i> Edited examples of lip-sync from HunyuanCustom's supplementary site.</i></em></span></p>

    <h3>Advanced Video Editing Features</h3>
    <p>HunyuanCustom offers impressive video-to-video (V2V) editing capabilities, enabling a segment from an existing video to be masked and intelligently replaced with a subject specified in a single reference image:</p>
    <p><span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em><i>Click to play.</i></em></strong></span><em><i><span style="font-size: 10pt"> Only the central object is targeted, while the surrounding area adapts accordingly in a HunyuanCustom vid2vid transformation.</span></i></em></p>

    <h3>Key Innovations and Data Pipelines</h3>
    <p>HunyuanCustom is not a complete overhaul of the existing Hunyuan Video project but rather a significant enhancement designed to maintain identity fidelity across frames without relying on <em><i>subject-specific</i></em> fine-tuning techniques.</p>
    <p>The model is based on the existing HunyuanVideo foundation and supports various datasets compliant with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unite.ai/the-new-rules-of-data-privacy-what-every-business-must-know-in-2025/">GDPR</a>, including <a target="_blank" href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2412.00115">OpenHumanVid</a>.</p>

    <h3>Performance Metrics and Comparisons</h3>
    <p>In rigorous testing, HunyuanCustom has demonstrated superior ID consistency and subject accuracy, as evidenced in a performance evaluation comparative to competitors, indicating a strong positioning in the video customization landscape:</p>
    <div id="attachment_217329" style="width: 951px" class="wp-caption alignnone">
        <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-217329" class="wp-image-217329" src="https://www.unite.ai/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/table1.jpg" alt="Model performance evaluation comparing HunyuanCustom with leading video customization methods across various metrics." width="941" height="268" />
        <p id="caption-attachment-217329" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Model performance evaluation comparing HunyuanCustom with leading video customization methods.</em></p>
    </div>

    <h2>Conclusion: HunyuanCustom's Impact on Video Synthesis</h2>
    <p>This innovative release addresses some pressing concerns within the video synthesis community, particularly the need for improved realism and lip-sync capabilities, and establishes Tencent as a formidable competitor against existing frameworks.</p>
    <p>As we explore HunyuanCustom's potential through its diverse features and applications, its impact on the future of video generation and editing will prove invaluable.</p>
</div>

This version has been carefully structured for clarity, SEO optimization, and user engagement while preserving the essential information from your original article.

Here are five FAQs regarding HunyuanCustom’s single-image video deepfake technology that includes audio and lip sync:

FAQs

  1. What is HunyuanCustom’s Single-Image Video Deepfake Technology?

    • Answer: HunyuanCustom’s technology allows users to create high-quality deepfake videos from a single image. This means you can generate realistic video content where the subject’s facial expressions and lips sync with audio input, offering a seamless experience for viewers.

  2. How does the lip synchronization work in the deepfake videos?

    • Answer: The lip sync feature uses advanced algorithms to analyze the audio input and match it with the phonetic sounds associated with the mouth movements of the subject in the image. This creates an authentic impression, making it seem like the individual is actually speaking the audio.

  3. What types of audio can I use with the single-image deepfake videos?

    • Answer: Users can utilize a variety of audio sources, including recordings of speeches, music, or even custom voiceovers. The technology is compatible with different audio formats, allowing for versatility in content creation.

  4. Are there any ethical considerations when using deepfake technology?

    • Answer: Yes, ethical usage is crucial. Users should ensure that they have the consent of the person whose image is being used, and the content should not be misleading or harmful. Misuse of deepfake technology can lead to legal implications and damage reputations.
  5. Can I customize the deepfake output, such as changing backgrounds or adding effects?
    • Answer: HunyuanCustom allows for some customization of the deepfake videos, including background changes and the addition of special effects. This enables users to create more engaging and unique content tailored to their specific needs.

Source link

DeepL Voice Launches to Revolutionize Real-Time Multilingual Communication in Language AI

DeepL Voice: Revolutionizing Multilingual Communication for Businesses

DeepL, the Leader in Language AI, Introduces DeepL Voice: A Cutting-Edge Voice Translation Tool

DeepL Voice: Breaking Down Language Barriers in Virtual and Face-to-Face Interactions

Explore the Future of Communication with DeepL Voice: Real-Time Multilingual Translation

DeepL Voice: Empowering Global Collaboration with Seamless Language Translation

DeepL Voice: Transforming Business Operations with Real-Time Multilingual Communication

DeepL Voice: Bridging the Gap in Global Communication with Innovative Translation Technology

DeepL Voice: Enhancing Business Efficiency Through Multilingual Communication

DeepL Voice: The Next Step in Language AI Innovation for Global Enterprises

DeepL Voice: Connecting Businesses Across Borders with Advanced Translation Solutions

DeepL Voice: The Game-Changing Solution for Multilingual Communication in Today’s Business World

DeepL Voice: Empowering Businesses to Communicate Clearly Across Languages

DeepL Voice: Redefining Communication with Seamless Multilingual Translation Technology

  1. What is DeepL Voice?
    DeepL Voice is a new feature introduced by DeepL that allows for real-time multilingual communication using advanced language AI technology.

  2. How does DeepL Voice work?
    DeepL Voice uses cutting-edge AI algorithms to accurately and quickly translate spoken language in real-time, allowing for seamless communication across multiple languages.

  3. What languages does DeepL Voice support?
    DeepL Voice supports a wide range of languages, including but not limited to English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. More languages are constantly being added to improve the user experience.

  4. Can DeepL Voice be used for both personal and professional communication?
    Yes, DeepL Voice can be used for both personal and professional communication. Whether you are traveling abroad or conducting business with international partners, DeepL Voice can help bridge the language barrier.

  5. Is DeepL Voice available on all devices?
    DeepL Voice is currently available on select devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The DeepL team is continuously working to expand compatibility to more devices for seamless communication across all platforms.

Source link