Welcome to Daily Zaps, your regularly-scheduled dose of AI news ⚡️ 

Here’s what we got for ya today:

• 🐶 AI tool to generate animations

• ✅ Asana releases AI agent tool

• 🎥 11k artists protest AI training on their content

• 🤖 AI tools for local newsrooms

Let’s get right into it!

Sign Up | Advertise | Tools

STARTUPS

AI tool to generate animations using video, voice inputs

Runway has launched a new feature called "Act-One," which allows users to record videos of themselves or actors and transfer their facial expressions to AI-generated characters with high accuracy. This tool, now available gradually to users, simplifies complex animation processes traditionally requiring motion-capture equipment. By using a simple video, Act-One captures eye-lines, micro-expressions, and pacing, enabling creators to animate characters in various styles without expensive equipment.

This new technology is especially beneficial for filmmakers, animators, and game developers, allowing for more accessible and realistic facial animations. Act-One offers cinematic-quality outputs from different camera angles and opens up new storytelling possibilities, particularly for indie creators with limited resources. Runway also ensures the tool is used responsibly, with safeguards to prevent misuse involving public figures.

BIG TECH

Asana releases AI agent tool

Asana has launched AI Studio, a no-code tool for building generative AI agents that automate work planning tasks. Users can create AI agents to perform tasks independently within the work management app, which speeds up decision-making and reduces administrative work.

Users can choose between four language models: Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Claude 3 Haiku, and OpenAI's GPT-4o and GPT-4o mini. While concerns about AI agents producing hallucinations exist, Asana includes safeguards like human approval for higher-risk tasks.

HOLLYWOOD

11k artists protest AI training on their content

Over 11,500 creative professionals, including notable figures like Julianne Moore, James Patterson, and Thom Yorke, have signed an open letter demanding a ban on using human-made art to train artificial intelligence without permission. The letter highlights the threat AI poses to the livelihoods of creators and calls for regulation amid ongoing legal battles and criticism.

Many artists and companies have accused AI firms of using their work without consent, fueling the push for protective legislation. The letter has rapidly gained more signatories, including actors' union president Fran Drescher and major publishing houses, as concerns grow over AI replacing human labor in creative industries.

BIG TECH

Microsoft / OpenAI $10M program to deploy AI tools to local newsrooms

Microsoft and OpenAI have announced a program offering up to $10 million in cash and enterprise credits to select media outlets to experiment with AI tools in newsrooms. Despite facing ongoing copyright lawsuits from various media companies, the first round of funding will go to Newsday, The Minnesota Star Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chicago Public Media, and The Seattle Times.

These outlets will hire a two-year fellow to develop and implement AI tools using Microsoft Azure and OpenAI credits, focusing on applications like transcription, content summaries, and creating conversational search tools for archives. The initiative, in partnership with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, aims to support local media and enhance journalistic efforts through AI technology while maintaining the critical role of reporters. More media organizations will be selected for grants in the future.