At its annual MAX conference, Adobe officially unveiled a sneak preview of Project Stardust, the code name for its next-generation AI photo editing engine.
Powered by the new Firefly Model 2, Stardust makes it easy for anyone to get creative with image editing using Adobe’s AI capabilities.
Seamless Object Deletion and Background Changes
Project Stardust analyzes photos to create layers for recognized objects that users can then drag and drop to remove objects or people from a scene.
The AI fills in the background behind moved objects and inserts new objects added to a photo. This combines multiple AI models into one streamlined editing experience.
Similar to Google’s Magic Eraser Feature
Stardust provides functionality akin to Google’s Magic Eraser tool that also uses AI to delete objects and make edits.
Both make painstaking manual editing work simple through AI assistance. But Stardust offers a fuller suite of creative options.
Future Direction for Adobe’s Generative AI Efforts
While a sneak preview, Project Stardust signals Adobe’s path forward in applying AI like its Firefly image generator to practical editing workflows.
It points to AI becoming integrated into creating and enhancing visual media versus just generating standalone images.
Builds on Existing AI-Powered Creative Cloud Features
Stardust essentially packages several existing Firefly-based tools like Generative Fill into one editor, showing how AI can boost productivity.
Adobe has been adding generative AI into Creative Cloud apps like filling gaps in Photoshop edits. Unifying these features streamlines the creative process.
AI-Assisted Creativity Becoming Commonplace
Just a few years ago, Project Stardust may have felt like magic. But AI progress now means such capabilities feel expected.
With Google demonstrating similar AI photo editing, the discussion has shifted to how it will transform photography rather than marveling at the technology.
Analysis: AI Sparking Fresh Debates on Image Authenticity
Project Stardust provides an intuitive glimpse of a not-too-distant future where AI radically alters image creation and editing.
While enabling new creative possibilities, this future also sparks renewed debates. As AI contributes more to producing visual media, questions arise around authenticity.
AI-Edited vs Original Images
If AI can realistically add, delete, and modify elements of photos, what constitutes an original unaltered image? How can viewers trust what they see as authentic?
More sophisticated AI photo editing tools will require new markers and disclosures around AI usage. Laws on digitally altered images must also evolve.
Empowering Artists vs Replacing Creativity
Another concern is over AI reducing human creativity to simple prompts rather than empowering artists.
Adobe stresses its aim is complementing creators with AI assistance, not supplanting human imagination and skill.
But ethical risks remain of AI generators replacing visual arts jobs. Ongoing human guidance, judgement and collaboration will be vital.
Focus on Responsible Innovation
Powerful generative AI comes with many pitfalls to avoid, from deepfakes to copyright abuse.
Adobe’s sneak peek of Project Stardust offers thrilling potential for enhanced creativity. But responsible innovation and ethics should direct its development going forward.
The Future of Creativity: AI as a Collaborator
Project Stardust represents just an initial glimpse of a creative future where AI becomes a collaborator unlocking new possibilities.
Adobe envisions AI as an amplifier for human imagination, not a replacement. Users maintain creative direction, with AI accelerating workflows.
This future seems full of potential for expanded creativity, new applications, and more accessible tools. Adobe aims to guide this future responsibly and shape AI as an empowering creative partner.
