Recently, Canva introduced a series of innovative AI features, with the most notable being its new image generation tool — "Dream Lab".
This tool was launched after Canva acquired the generative AI startup Leonardo.ai, utilizing Leonardo's Phoenix model (not to be confused with Adobe's Firefly AI). Users can now generate images in various styles, such as "3D rendering" and "illustrations", simply by describing them.
Prior to this, Canva already had an AI image generator based on Stable Diffusion and supported multiple third-party applications. However, Dream Lab brings many improvements, especially in generating photographic styles and multi-theme images.
Additionally, it introduces a new feature where users can reference existing images to better control the generation results, similar to Photoshop's reference image tool.
Aside from Dream Lab, Canva's "Magic" AI toolkit has also been updated. For instance, the accuracy of the Magic Write text generation feature has been enhanced, allowing automatic text completion with a single click. Moreover, whiteboards now support AI-driven summarization, facilitating team collaboration in projects. The video editing tool also introduces new features, including automatic subtitle generation and new animation effects.
To help users visualize data better, Canva allows the addition of interactive charts and graphics in presentations. Furthermore, Canva's resource library has expanded, including royalty-free music and film-quality videos provided by Artlist music platform.
However, there is a minor disappointment: Canva announced last month that it will increase subscription prices for some commercial clients to reflect the "expanded product experience" and the value brought by generative AI tools. Although the acquisition of Leonardo.AI might be included in the investment plan, users may be dissatisfied with paying higher fees for these incremental improvements rather than gaining entirely new generative AI capabilities.
Key Points:
1. 🎨 Canva's new image generation tool "Dream Lab" utilizes Leonardo.ai's Phoenix model to generate images in multiple styles based on descriptions.
2. ✏️ Canva's "Magic" AI toolkit has been updated, improving text generation accuracy and adding new features for whiteboards and video editing.
3. 💰 Canva announced an increase in subscription prices for some commercial clients, with mixed reactions from users regarding the value of gradual improvements and new features.
