What to know

  • Odyssey, a new platform backed by Pixar cofounder Alvy Ray Smith, lets users explore AI-generated interactive worlds.
  • The technology allows you to navigate and interact with these worlds using natural language commands.
  • Odyssey is currently available as a free beta with limited capacity, with plans for a full launch later this year.

A new platform called Odyssey now lets you explore interactive AI-generated worlds through a technology backed by Pixar cofounder Alvy Ray Smith. This platform represents a significant step toward creating immersive, responsive environments that you can navigate using simple text commands.

Image Credits: Odyssey

Odyssey works by combining several AI models to generate interactive video environments that respond to your natural language inputs. You can type commands like "look around" or "go to the beach," and the AI will generate appropriate scenes and responses in real-time.

The technology behind Odyssey comes from a team of AI researchers and entertainment industry veterans. Smith, who cofounded Pixar with Edwin Catmull in 1986, serves as an advisor to the project, bringing decades of computer graphics expertise.

In the current beta version, you can explore various pre-designed worlds, including fantasy landscapes, urban environments, and natural settings. The system remembers your previous interactions, creating a continuous and coherent experience as you navigate through these virtual spaces.

Unlike traditional video games with pre-programmed responses, Odyssey generates content on the fly based on your requests. This means each experience can be unique, with the AI adapting to unexpected commands or questions.

The technology still has limitations. Response times can vary, and some complex requests may not render as expected. The visual quality, while impressive for AI-generated content, doesn't yet match the photorealism of modern video games.

Odyssey is currently available as a free beta with limited capacity. You can join a waitlist on their website to gain access. The company plans a full launch later this year, with potential applications ranging from entertainment and education to virtual tourism.

Industry experts see this as an early glimpse of what some call the "holodeck future" - referencing Star Trek's virtual reality environment - where AI can generate immersive, interactive experiences on demand without pre-programmed content.

The company has not yet announced pricing for the full release but indicates they're exploring both subscription models and one-time purchase options for different types of experiences.

Via: theverge.com