Midjourney Unveils AI-Powered Image Synthesis Model 5.2 with Groundbreaking "Zoom Out" Feature
Updated: Jan 5
Midjourney releases version 5.2 of its AI image synthesis model, introducing a remarkable "zoom out" functionality that expands synthesised images.
On Thursday, Midjourney made headlines by launching version 5.2 of its AI-powered image synthesis model. The latest update includes an innovative feature called "zoom out," which revolutionises the way images are generated. This new functionality allows the central subject of a synthesized image to remain intact while automatically expanding the scene around it, simulating the effect of zooming out with a camera lens.
Similar to OpenAI's DALL-E 2 technique known as outpainting, Midjourney's zoom-out feature can enhance existing AI-generated images by extending their borders while preserving the original subject's position in the new image. However, unlike DALL-E and Photoshop's Generative Fill, Midjourney's zoom-out feature currently only works on images generated within their subscription-based AI image-generator service.
Midjourney's Discord server, still the official platform for Midjourney (with plans for future changes), allows users to experiment with the zoom-out functionality. By generating any v5.2 image, users can upscale the result and access special "Zoom" buttons beneath the output. These buttons enable zooming out by a factor of 1.5x, 2x, or a custom value between 1 and 2. Additionally, users can utilize the "Make Square" button to generate material around the existing image, creating a visually appealing 1:1 square aspect ratio.
During a Thursday night announcement on the Discord server, David Holz, the creator of Midjourney, unveiled the new features and enhancements of version 5.2. Besides the remarkable "zoom out" functionality, notable additions include an overhauled aesthetic system that promises enhanced image quality, a stronger "--stylize" command to influence the level of realism in the generated images, and a new "high variation mode" that increases compositional diversity among image generations. Furthermore, the introduction of the "/shorten" command allows users to trim non-essential words from their prompts.
Despite the immediate release of v5.2, Holz emphasisd the possibility of future changes without prior notice. However, users can still access older versions of the Midjourney model by using the "/settings" command or the "--v 5.1" in-line command argument. The latest update, v5.2, has been met with excitement among Midjourney enthusiasts, with many praising the improvements as "stunning" and "mind-blowing." Such reactions are not uncommon in the AI-driven world, where hype frequently surrounds technological advancements.
Midjourney introduces version 5.2 of its AI image synthesis model, featuring a groundbreaking "zoom out" feature.
Users on the Midjourney Discord server can experiment with the new functionality by generating v5.2 images and utilizing the "Zoom" buttons.
Other notable additions include an improved aesthetic system, a stronger "--stylize" command, and a "high variation mode."