Midjourney acquired astrology app Co-Star. Why would it do that?
Artificial intelligence lab Midjourney has acquired astrological service Co-Star and is working to launch the first standalone image generation application.
Artificial intelligence lab Midjourney has acquired astrological service Co-Star and is working to launch the first standalone image generation application.
According to Bloomberg, the deal was signed this spring, but the parties did not disclose financial terms. All two dozen Co-Star employees have joined Midjourney in full, and the astrology service’s founder, Banu Guler, has taken on the role of design director. Over the next 6-12 months, she will form a new team to develop design, products and front-end for all Midjourney projects.
Co-Star, with a monthly audience of approximately 4.3 million active users, will continue to operate as an independent product. For Midjourney, this deal is an opportunity to bring in expertise in mobile product development and social mechanics. The company plans to use this experience to create a series of new apps focused on the creative process.
The first product will be a mobile application for image generation, and the technology base will be expanded to include tools for visual storytelling and the creation of virtual worlds. In addition, the lab is developing a new AI model for video generation.
«The theme we talk about a lot is that as video models become more sophisticated, we’re looking for a really fun and enjoyable way to create stories,» said Midjourney founder and CEO David Goltz, adding that the company is looking to integrate social elements, including the ability for multiple users to co-create images.
Until now, Midjourney’s tools have been available primarily through a Discord server and website. In recent months, the company has announced that it is expanding into new directions and is working on eight new projects (four hardware and four software). These include an experimental medical ultrasound device and its own spa concept.
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