Launch Sparks Online Frenzy, Prompting Temporary Halt on Account Creations
Sora, a groundbreaking AI video generator developed by OpenAI in 2021, has officially transitioned out of its research phase with the launch of Sora Turbo. The release has sent waves through the online community, prompting the company to temporarily pause new account registrations due to overwhelming demand.
Sora operates by turning text prompts into high-quality videos, a feature similar to other AI content creators like ChatGPT. Unlike traditional AI tools that generate written responses, Sora Turbo produces videos based on the user’s input.
In an official statement released on December 9, OpenAI introduced Sora Turbo as an upgraded version of the original Sora. It boasts faster video creation, improved video quality, and added video editing features that allow users to clip and rearrange video sequences while maintaining key elements.
How Does Sora Turbo Work?
The power of Sora lies in its ability to replicate high-end filmmaking techniques using AI, all in a fraction of the time. Users provide detailed text prompts, specifying camera angles, lenses, lighting, and visual aesthetics, allowing Sora to generate professional-looking videos. For example, a user can input:
“Capture a portrait of a street vendor at night using a medium-telephoto lens, highlighting the vendor’s hands preparing food with warm stall lights contrasting with cool city lights in the background.”
How Good Is Sora Turbo?
While Sora Turbo offers impressive capabilities, it is not flawless. Currently, videos are limited to 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second and a 20-second duration. There are also occasional errors, such as unrealistic movements in videos. For example, a dancer in one video performs an impossible neck turn. However, OpenAI is actively working to fix such bugs.
How Is Sora Turbo Being Received?
Sora’s impact on the video production industry is stirring concerns, particularly in Hollywood. Some industry experts worry that Sora may disrupt traditional production methods. As one Hollywood executive put it, Sora represents a shift in how production is done, not necessarily a replacement for it.
Is Sora the Only AI Video Generator?
No, the market for AI video generation is rapidly growing. While Sora leads in video quality and realism, other competitors, such as Runway Gen 3 and Kling AI, offer similar services. Sora Turbo stands out for its advanced editing features, comparable to those in high-end software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Additionally, with significant financial backing from Microsoft, Sora has a considerable edge over competitors.
Other AI Video Generators
- Runway Gen 3: An AI tool focused on short-form videos, offering 720p clips for free and 1440p or 2160p for paid users.
- Kling AI: A new AI generator from Kuaishou, capable of creating 1080p videos up to two minutes long.
- MiniMax: Backed by Alibaba, MiniMax creates six-second clips at 720p resolution, primarily designed for short-form videos.