Procreate Says No to Generative AI
Procreate is taking a stand against generative AI, a move that has caused quite a stir within the digital art community and beyond. The highly-regarded iPad design app has adamantly opposed integrating generative AI into its products. The pronouncement came directly from Procreate CEO James Cuda in a candid video posted on the platform, X (formerly Twitter).
Generative AI has been a hot topic, often polarizing opinions. While some celebrate the potential for AI-assisted creativity, many artists and creative professionals argue that it undermines the human touch in art. Procreate’s decision is bold, sparking cheers from its user base.
The Human Touch: Boon or Bane for Creativity?
Procreate asserts that human creativity is irreplaceable. They believe that art apps should augment human effort, not sideline it. Machine learning is seen as a fascinating technology, but generative AI’s current trajectory does not suffice for Procreate’s creative ethos. The company elaborates: “Generative AI is ripping the humanity out of things. Built on a foundation of theft, the technology is steering us toward a barren future.”
While other platforms like Adobe have embraced AI, stirring controversy, Procreate’s resolute stance has been well-received by artists who feel betrayed by the AI integration of other software companies.
A Risky Road Less Travelled
Going against the grain in today’s tech landscape is fraught with risks. While Procreate’s approach might seem like it is setting itself up to lag behind the competition, the company believes that there’s value in taking a less disruptive path. Their emphasis on human creativity could attract others who feel similarly about AI, proving fruitful for their community.
The Bigger Picture
The broader tech community is hard at work introducing generative AI into virtually every aspect of creativity. One wonders if Procreate’s firm stand will influence other companies. For now, it stands as an outlier amidst a landslide of generative AI integrations in the design tool market.
Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro: What to Expect
Leaks and rumors are the lifeblood of the tech world, and excitement is unsurprisingly building around Apple’s upcoming M4 MacBook Pro. The M4 chip has already made waves with its debut in the new iPad Pro, a move that was both surprising and intriguing.
The M4 Chip’s Debut: A Peek into the Future
Apple’s decision to launch the M4 chip in the iPad Pro before introducing it to their MacBook lineup is curious. Nonetheless, it gave tech enthusiasts an early taste of what to expect. Performance metrics suggest the M4 could be a game-changer, boasting a 50% speed boost over the M2 and a four-fold improvement in rendering performance.
The New M4 Models
According to trusted sources in the tech world, including Mark Gurman and Ross Young, the following M4 MacBook Pro models are anticipated:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 (cheapest)
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max (priciest)
These new models are expected to launch as early as late 2024, potentially during an October Apple event.
Design and Features
While there are scant rumors regarding a significant design overhaul for the M4 MacBook Pros, potential buyers can look forward to new OLED displays slated for a 2026 release. Until then, the focus remains on the internal upgrades powered by the transformative M4 chip.
A Mac-ular Revolution
Apple’s iterative hardware enhancements continually push the boundaries of performance, and the M4 chip appears to cement this trend. Expect these new MacBook Pros to appeal to professionals in need of performance for intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
Epic Games Store Goes Mobile
Epic Games’ journey into mobile gaming has been nothing short of a saga. After turbulent times battling tech titans Apple and Google, Epic has finally brought the Epic Games Store to mobile devices. This marks a significant step forward in their campaign to diversify and decentralize game distribution.
Epic’s Mobile Universe
The store provides access to blockbuster games like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and the newly mobile-compatible Fall Guys. The move is not just about making these games more accessible; it also sets a precedent for other developers interested in leveraging more open mobile app ecosystems.
Digital Market Act: A Beacon of Hope
The launch of Epic Games Store on iOS is currently limited to the European Union, thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This legislation has become instrumental in forcing Apple to allow third-party app stores, a notable victory in Epic’s ongoing legal confrontations with the tech giant.
Expanding Horizons
Beyond their store, Epic is collaborating with other third-party app stores like AltStore PAL and Aptoide in the European Union. This multi-store strategy could represent a significant shift in mobile gaming dynamics, fostering competition and providing consumers with more choices.
The Legal Battlefield
Epic is not done fighting. Their battle against what they deem as monopolistic practices from Apple and Google continues. Efforts are ongoing to improve the installation experiences on iOS and Android, which Epic argues have been intentionally hampered by the tech giants.
The Turning Tide
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney believes the tide is turning in favor of more open and competitive ecosystems. They see the launch of their store within the EU as a stepping stone towards broader global access.
Conclusion
In this rapidly evolving tech landscape, Procreate’s bold anti-AI stance, Apple’s preparatory steps for the future with the M4 chip, and Epic Games’ expansion into mobile territory are powerful narratives of innovation, resistance, and transformation. As these stories unfold, they offer valuable insights into the values and trajectories shaping our tech-filled future.