Meta launches a new image-generating AI model

According to Meta, Muse Image can interpret complex commands, use images as input and allow direct editing through sketches or notes. Users can ask the tool to create an image of them standing in front of a historical landmark, erase people in the background, or write commands to create a working QR code.

Theo CNBCa model initially internally codenamed Mango, is the second major product of the Meta Superintelligence Laboratory (MSL) headed by Alexandr Wang. The first product is the Muse Spark large-language model launched in April, succeeding the company’s previous Llama line.

Muse Image is available for free in the Meta AI app and website, WhatsApp direct messages, Instagram Stories. However, if users want to create multiple AI photos or use certain features, users will need to join one of Meta’s new monthly subscription plans, which launched in May.

Muse Image is expected to be available on Facebook, Messenger and many other parts of Instagram and WhatsApp in the second half of the year.

One attention-grabbing feature of Muse Image is the ability to edit other Instagram accounts’ photos, as long as the profile is public. Users just need to tag this account, then Muse will take the photos in the profile to create AI products. Meta’s policy states that “people may use your Instagram content to create new content using Meta’s AI feature” and users will not receive notification of this action either.

Theo TechCrunchthe new feature raises privacy concerns. “Putting real users into AI photos without explicit consent is a privacy ‘time bomb’, just waiting to explode,” one X user commented.

However, Meta claims that users can control the feature. Wired said that if you want to prevent others from creating AI photos from Instagram posts without turning your account into private mode, users will have to make adjustments in the settings. First, you need to open the Instagram application, go to your profile, click the three dashes icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Next, scroll down to “Share and reuse,” then turn off the “Allow your content to be used on Instagram and used with Meta AI features” checkbox.

Muse Image also has less privacy-threatening features like creating custom ads or testing interior decorating ideas. For example, users can see what an old chair would look like if placed in the garage. The feature is designed to integrate with the Facebook Marketplace platform, which specializes in buying and selling used furniture and accessories.

In addition to Muse Image, Meta also announced that it is developing Muse Video and will launch soon. The tool has the ability to comply well with commands, achieving high image fidelity and consistency over time. The development team is improving the bad parts like audio-visual synchronization and physically accurate fast movements.

Previously, Meta used third-party models like Midjourney and Black Forest Labs to power many of the photo and video creation features in Meta AI. The company said it will use its new model to reduce dependence on similar technologies.