Consistent Characters Soon | Midjourney Office Hours Recap Feb 28th 2024 | Midjourney News

Future Tech Pilot
29 Feb 202403:25

TLDRThe Midjourney team is gearing up for the launch of three major updates: a new character reference feature, a refined style reference system, and an improved 'describe' function, all slated for next week. They're excited about the potential of the character reference to blend anime characters into real-life photography, despite acknowledging the need for further refinement. The 'describe' update promises greater accuracy, while the style reference aims to enhance style transfer fidelity. Additionally, they're tackling body coherence challenges, server upgrades for faster generation times, and even considering an API opening for certain bot companies. The community eagerly awaits these innovations and potential exploration tools for style mapping.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The Midjourney team is working on three main features: a new character reference feature, a new style reference system, and a new describe function, with a possible launch next week.
  • 🔍 They are testing two versions of the character reference feature and may soon start testing the describe feature.
  • 👗 Character reference might not include small details like outfits or facial features but could allow anime characters to appear in real-life photography.
  • 🎉 David, from the team, is excited about the character reference feature and believes it's a big step forward, with improvements expected in version 7.
  • 🚫 New moderation might be introduced, possibly requiring positive imagery for real images of people, but it's unclear if this applies to realistic Midjourney images.
  • 🔄 The new describe function is expected to be more accurate and get users closer to the source image.
  • 🔄 The style reference update will break the old one but will improve style transfer accuracy.
  • 🔗 There have been issues with links on Discord related to image prompting, and the team is working on resolving them.
  • 🤖 Efforts are being made to improve body coherence, although it has been challenging, and the team might be pushing the limits of version 6.
  • 🔮 Version 7 is anticipated with excitement, and there are no signs of diminishing returns yet.
  • 🔄 Version 6 is expected to get faster as server upgrades are underway, aiming to reduce image generation time from 35 seconds to 15 or 20 seconds.
  • 📱 The social aspect of the website is being improved, with a focus on bug fixes and enhancing the mobile experience.
  • 🤖 The team is considering opening an API for some chap bot companies, although specifics are not disclosed.

Q & A

  • What were the main topics discussed during the Midjourney Office Hours on February 28th, 2024?

    -The main topics discussed were the development of a new character reference feature, a new style reference system, and a new describe feature, all of which are expected to be launched soon.

  • What is the character reference feature and what might be its limitations?

    -The character reference feature is a new tool that allows users to include characters in their prompts. However, it might not capture small details like outfits or facial features, but could enable things like an anime character appearing in real-life photography.

  • How does David, from the Midjourney team, feel about the new features and their development?

    -David sounds really excited about the new features and believes they are a big step forward. He acknowledges that improvements can be made in future versions and is particularly looking forward to version 7.

  • What kind of moderation might be introduced with the new character reference feature?

    -There might be a moderation system where real images of people need to be positive imagery only. It's unclear if this applies to realistic-looking Midjourney images as well.

  • What issues have been encountered with the current style reference system and how will the new update address them?

    -The current style reference system has some issues with accuracy in transferring styles. The new update aims to be more accurate but will break the old system.

  • What technical difficulties have been reported on Discord regarding image prompting?

    -There have been issues with links on Discord related to image prompting problems, and the team is currently working on resolving these issues.

  • What is the current status of the body coherence improvements in Midjourney's version 6?

    -David mentioned that they are trying to improve body coherence but it has been challenging, and they might be pushing the limits of version 6.

  • What new feature is being considered after the launch of the three main features discussed in the office hours?

    -After the launch of the three main features, the team is considering a random style generator, similar to SRF random.

  • What improvements are being made to the Midjourney website's social features and mobile experience?

    -The social features on the website are currently behind schedule due to bugs, and the team is working on improving the mobile experience.

  • Is Midjourney considering opening up an API for certain companies, and what does this entail?

    -Yes, Midjourney is exploring opening up an API for some chap bot companies, which would allow for more integration and functionality, although specific companies were not mentioned.

  • How can viewers get a closer look at the art featured in the video?

    -Viewers can follow the creator on Instagram @futuretechpilot for a closer look at the art featured in the video.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Mid Journey Office Hours Recap and Upcoming Features

This paragraph provides a recap of the Mid Journey office hours held on February 28th. The speaker discusses the development progress of three main features: a new character reference feature, a new style reference system, and a new describe function, all expected to launch the following week. The character reference is in testing with two versions and may allow anime-like characters in real-life scenarios. The describe function is anticipated to be more accurate, and the style reference update is expected to improve style transfer accuracy. The speaker also mentions potential moderation for image prompts and hints at future improvements in version 7. Additionally, there are discussions about server upgrades to reduce image generation time and the possibility of opening an API for certain companies.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Character reference feature

This is a new feature being developed by MidJourney that allows users to create consistent characters across different images. It will enable the depiction of a character, like an anime character, in various styles and settings. However, some small details such as specific outfits or facial features might not work initially.

💡Style reference system

A new system that MidJourney is working on to enhance the accuracy of style transfers. This will replace the old system and ensure more precise application of styles to images. The update aims to fix current issues and provide a more reliable stylistic rendering.

💡Describe

An upcoming feature intended to improve the accuracy of generating images based on textual descriptions. It aims to bring users closer to their desired source image by providing more precise interpretations of the text prompts.

💡Moderation

A process that will be implemented with the new character reference feature to ensure appropriate content. It involves filtering images to maintain positive imagery, especially when using realistic images of people. Initial moderation might be strict and adjusted over time based on feedback.

💡Body coherence

An aspect that MidJourney is focusing on to improve the consistency and accuracy of body parts in generated images. They are experimenting with different approaches to achieve better results, particularly challenging within the current version 6 limitations.

💡Random style generator

A potential new feature that will allow users to explore various art styles randomly. It will help users discover new styles and possibly find references they like by generating random stylistic interpretations.

💡Version 7

The next iteration of MidJourney’s platform, which promises significant improvements over the current version 6. It is expected to offer better features, including enhanced character details and body coherence, without encountering diminishing returns in quality.

💡Server upgrades

Upcoming improvements to MidJourney’s servers aimed at reducing image generation times. This upgrade is expected to cut down the rendering time from 35 seconds to as little as 15 or 20 seconds, and may include a future 'turbo mode' for even faster processing.

💡API exploration

MidJourney is considering opening up an API to allow integration with chat bot companies. This would enable third-party applications to utilize MidJourney’s capabilities, potentially leading to innovative uses and collaborations.

💡Patreon support

A way for viewers to financially support the content creator through Patreon. By contributing $5 a month, supporters gain access to multiple prompts per week, helping the creator continue producing content without relying on traditional sponsorships.

Highlights

Midjourney team is working on a new character reference feature, style reference system, and a new describe feature.

Character reference testing is underway with two versions, aiming for a launch next week.

Character reference might allow anime characters to appear in Real Life photography.

Small details like outfits or facial features may not work in character reference initially.

A new moderation system might be introduced for character reference to ensure positive imagery.

Describe feature is expected to be more accurate and get users closer to the source image.

Style reference update will break the old one but improve style transfer accuracy.

Discord links have been experiencing issues with image prompting, which is being addressed.

Midjourney is exploring better body coherence but faces challenges.

Version 7 is anticipated to be a significant improvement without diminishing returns.

A random style generator similar to SRF random is planned after the other features.

A style map for exploring the style space and finding references is being considered.

Version 6 will likely become faster with server upgrades reducing generation time.

Turbo mode is planned for the future to further reduce generation time.

Social features on the website are being worked on to improve the mobile experience.

Midjourney is considering opening an API for certain chap bot companies.

Illustration prompt shared for creating art in the style of collage compositions with pastel colors and abstract portraits.

The video includes a special thanks to alexo, 8521 for their contribution.

The recap provides a comprehensive update on Midjourney's office hours and future plans.