Recent developments in the AI space span various applications and industries. Midjourney launched V1, its initial AI video generation tool, which animates images into short videos, extendable to 20 seconds, with a subscription starting at $10 per month. This launch comes amidst a copyright lawsuit from Disney and NBCUniversal. In contrast to Google's Veo 3, Midjourney's V1 emphasizes surrealism and artistic style. Meanwhile, Loudoun County schools are implementing AI-driven security systems from VOLT AI to monitor camera footage for potential threats, costing approximately $1.1 million for the first year. In the business world, B2B marketers are increasing their investment in AI for targeted advertising through account-based marketing, while AWS emphasizes that strong cybersecurity is crucial for successful AI adoption. Across the globe, AI is a key theme at Shanghai's Mobile World Congress, where Huawei is promoting its role in AI and 5G infrastructure. The beef industry is also exploring AI for improved efficiency and animal health. In Europe, German firms are competing for EU funding to build AI data processing centers, and Saudi Arabia's Humain has created a division focused on AI-driven advertising and gaming content. Meta, under Mark Zuckerberg, is making significant investments in generative AI, including pursuing top AI talent and increasing its stake in Scale AI.
Key Takeaways
- Midjourney launched V1, an AI video tool that animates images into videos up to 20 seconds long, available via subscription.
- Midjourney's V1 launch occurs amidst an ongoing copyright lawsuit with Disney and NBCUniversal.
- Loudoun County schools are investing $1.1 million in an AI security system from VOLT AI to monitor school camera footage.
- B2B marketers are increasing investments in AI for account-based marketing strategies.
- AWS emphasizes that robust cybersecurity measures are essential for the successful adoption of generative AI.
- Huawei is promoting its role as a key provider of AI and 5G infrastructure at the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai.
- The beef industry is exploring AI applications to enhance efficiency and animal health.
- German companies are competing for EU funding to establish AI data processing centers.
- Saudi Arabia's Humain has launched Humain Create, focusing on AI-driven advertising and gaming content.
- Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, is investing heavily in generative AI, including pursuing top AI talent and increasing its stake in Scale AI.
Midjourney debuts V1 AI video tool from images
Midjourney launched V1, its first AI video generation model. Users can upload an image or use one generated by Midjourney to create a five-second video. The V1 model is available through Discord and on the web. Midjourney CEO David Holz says this is a step toward creating AI models for real-time simulations. The company plans to develop AI models for 3D renderings and real-time AI models next. Midjourney is charging more for video generation, with the cheapest access at $10 per month.
Midjourney's V1 turns images into videos with AI
Midjourney released V1, a new AI tool that turns images into short animated videos. Users can upload an image or select one from their Midjourney gallery. By clicking the Animate button, the tool generates a five-second video. Users can customize the video's motion, choosing between High motion and Low motion settings. The video length can be extended up to four times, creating videos about 20 seconds long. Midjourney V1 is available on the web with a premium subscription.
Midjourney V1 creates videos from images, up to 20 seconds
Midjourney launched its first video model, V1, on June 18, 2025. Subscribers can animate still images to get four 5-second clips, extendable to 20 seconds. Users can select low or high motion and guide movement with text. Creating a clip costs about eight image credits, starting at $10 per month. V1 lacks audio and is capped at 1080p/20 seconds. Midjourney aims to create explorable 3-D scenes in the future.
Midjourney animates images into short 5-second videos
Midjourney now lets users animate images into videos up to five seconds long. Users need an existing image and can click the animate button to generate a video. They can let Midjourney decide the movement or specify it manually. Low Motion creates slow videos, while High Motion is more dynamic but may cause errors. Videos can be extended to 21 seconds and cost more than image generation. Midjourney faces a lawsuit over copyrighted material used in its AI models.
Midjourney V1 explained Is it better than Google Veo 3
Midjourney released V1, its first video model, on June 18, 2025. Instead of generating videos from text, it animates still images. Users generate an image and click "Animate" to create a 5-second clip, extendable to 20 seconds. V1 focuses on surrealism and artistic style, unlike Google Veo 3's realism. Midjourney aims to explore 3D modeling and interactive worlds in the future. V1 is user-friendly and inspires creativity.
Midjourney launches AI video generator from images
Midjourney launched an AI video generator that animates images. Users can upload images or use ones created on the platform to generate short videos. After creating an image, a new "animate" button lets users create a 5-second clip. Users can add uploaded images as starting frames. The tool offers high and low motion settings. Midjourney's video generator is available on the web and Discord with a subscription, starting at $10 per month.
Midjourney launches AI video tool amid Disney lawsuit
Midjourney launched version 1 of its AI video model after being sued by Disney and NBCUniversal. The new tool turns images into video clips. Midjourney charges about eight times more for video generation than image generation. Users can extend videos by roughly 4 seconds at a time, up to four times total. The company aims to create an AI system that generates imagery in real-time. Midjourney asks users to use the technologies responsibly.
Midjourney adds AI video generation to its platform
Midjourney now offers AI video generation, allowing users to animate images. Users can animate images made in Midjourney or upload their own. The tool creates five-second clips that can be extended by four seconds up to four times. Video generation is available on the web with a subscription of at least $10 a month. This announcement follows a copyright infringement lawsuit against Midjourney by Disney and NBCUniversal.
Loudoun County schools to use AI for security
Loudoun County schools will use AI to monitor security camera footage for weapons or fights. The school district will use software from VOLT AI to scan footage for issues. The AI will monitor hallways and entrances, alerting staff to potential dangers. The system acts as an alert system, not replacing human decision-making. The first year of the contract costs about $1.1 million. The AI aims to provide quicker responses to developing dangerous situations.
Loudoun County schools use new AI safety system
Dmitry Sokolowski, CEO of Volt AI, explained Loudoun County School District's new AI safety system. The system can be used for security and to find unusual behavior. It can also flag a human if a student collapses or has a medical episode.
Robots and AI dominate Shanghai's Mobile World Congress
AI, 5G, and robots are the main focus at the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai. This is Asia's largest conference for the mobile economy.
Huawei promotes AI, 5G role at Shanghai MWC
Huawei Technologies wants to expand its role as a global supplier of AI and 5G infrastructure. Huawei deputy chairman Eric Xu Zhijun said the telecoms industry is facing market saturation. Operators are looking for new sources of revenue.
Cattle feeders discuss AI in the beef industry
Beef producers discussed using artificial intelligence in the beef industry at a meeting in Lancaster. They talked about using AI to improve efficiency and animal health. AI can help with early illness detection and reducing stress for animals. Concerns were raised about the cost and reliability of AI technology. John Curtis and Megan Wheatley said they have been pleased with how AI has alleviated stress in their cattle feeding operation.
B2B marketers boost investment in AI, targeted ads
B2B marketers are increasingly using account-based marketing (ABM) to target high-value accounts. 90% of organizations have an ABM strategy. 81% of marketers say ABM has a higher return on investment than other methods. Marketers are using ABM to grow business with existing customers and build their brand. While generative AI is being used in ABM, adoption is still in early stages. Experts predict AI will soon drive buyer engagement.
iFX EXPO discusses AI, automation, and regulations
The iFX EXPO International featured discussions on online trading, liquidity, payments, and prop trading. One panel discussed how markets demand more from liquidity, focusing on insight and precision. Another panel discussed modern proprietary trading firms and their online approach. Experts also discussed changing regulations around affiliates, emphasizing transparency and automation. Visa highlighted its comprehensive solutions for payments, including non-card-based digital flows.
AWS CISO says security enables AI adoption
AWS CISO Amy Herzog said that focusing on cybersecurity can help organizations adopt generative AI. Companies with strong security practices are adopting AI faster. Security, privacy, and data management help reduce risks. AWS unveiled expansions to security features and new products. Amazon uses AI to test third-party models for Amazon Bedrock. Secure foundations help teams build and innovate faster.
German firms compete for EU AI gigafactory bids
Deutsche Telekom, Ionos, and Schwarz Group's IT subsidiary will submit separate bids to the EU for an AI data processing center. They could not agree on a common plan. The European Commission plans to provide $20 billion to build AI data centers. The German government wants at least one center built in Germany. SAP is not seeking to be an operator or investor in the projects.
Saudi AI firm Humain creates ads and gaming division
Saudi Arabia's AI company, Humain, created a division called Humain Create. It will focus on advertising, video games, and film. Steve Plimsoll introduced the unit at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Humain Create will partner with and provide resources for startups that make generative AI models for media production.
Zuckerberg spends big on AI hiring spree for Meta
Mark Zuckerberg is investing heavily in generative AI for Meta. He is planning to offer over $1 billion for two AI experts to work under Alexandr Wang. This follows a $14.3 billion deal to buy 49% of Scale AI, a data-labeling firm. This marks a reset of Meta's generative-AI plans.
Sources
- Midjourney launches its first AI video generation model, V1
- Midjourney launches V1 model that converts still images into videos
- Midjourney launches video model V1 with 5 to 20-second clips
- 5-second videos: Midjourney animates images
- Midjourney V1 Explained: Better than Google Veo 3?
- Midjourney launches an AI video generator
- Midjourney, the AI Company Being Sued by Disney and NBCU, Launches First Video-Generation Tool (WATCH)
- Midjourney adds AI video generation
- Loudoun Co. schools plan to use AI to boost campus security
- WATCH: CEO, founder explains Loudoun County School District new AI safety system
- Robots, AI Take Over Mobile World Congress in Shanghai
- Huawei defends role as AI, 5G infrastructure supplier at Shanghai MWC trade show
- Cattle Feeders Discuss Using Artificial Intelligence In the Beef Industry
- B2B marketers ramp up investment in targeted strategies and AI
- iFX EXPO’s Final Day: "Automation Will Benefit Very Highly from AI"
- AWS CISO stumps for security as an AI enabler
- German firms to submit competing EU bids for AI gigafactory, newspaper reports
- Saudi’s AI Firm Humain Forms Division Focused On Ads, Gaming
- Mark Zuckerberg is spending megabucks on an AI hiring spree