A new artificial intelligence (AI) model from Microsoft is here to produce incredibly lifelike videos of talking human faces. The AI image-to-video model, known as VASA-1, can create videos from a single image and a voice audio clip. According to the company, the produced videos would feature natural-looking facial expressions and head movements along with synchronized lip movements to match the audio. Notably, the tech giant states that the VASA-1 model will be used to develop realistic virtual characters but has no plans to release a product or API with it.
Microsoft described the features and workings of their AI model which is still under development in a post on its Research announcement page. The VASA-1 model can produce videos with a resolution of 512 x 512p at up to 40 FPS, according to the company.
The company showcased VASA-1’s ability to create lip motions and facial expressions that correspond with audio files, but its greatest accomplishment is still its ability to produce up to one-minute-long videos in high definition using a single static image. Additionally, the AI video-generation model gives the user fine-grained control over several video elements, like emotion offsets, head distance, main eye gaze direction, and more. These attribution controls on facial dynamics, 3D head pose, and disentangled appearance can help fine-tune the output according to user instructions.
In addition, the AI model could produce videos using artistic images, singing audio, and non-English speech. According to Microsoft experts, there was no evidence of these functionalities in its data suggesting that the system is capable of self-learning. Although the AI model’s ability to generate hyperrealistic videos of real people with any audio is astounding, it also poses the question of whether it might be used unethically, particularly to create deepfakes. The company made it clear that it wants to use the AI model to create virtual, interactive characters and doesn’t intend to make it available to the general public.
Furthermore, according to Microsoft, this method can be applied to improve forgery detection. The company emphasized the importance of recognizing the significant positive potential of their technique, despite acknowledging the possibility of misuse. They highlighted various benefits, including enhancing educational equity, improving accessibility for individuals with communication challenges, and providing companionship or therapeutic support to those in need. The company also expressed their dedication to developing AI responsibly, with the overarching goal of enhancing human well-being.
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