Modify Magic: AI Transforms Footage Without a Single Reshoot
Luma Labs has unveiled a powerful new feature called Modify Video for its Dream Machine tool, enabling creators to reshape existing video clips without re-filming. Whether it’s swapping outfits, changing backgrounds, or completely rebranding your scene—from a cozy room to stormy seas or even an animated world—the AI maintains all critical performance elements like movement, facial expressions, framing, and timing. By offering three presets—Adhere (subtle tweaks), Flex (style + lighting), and Reimagine (full transformation)—it provides customizable levels of creative control.
The tool uses advanced motion-capture, facial tracking, and scene understanding to ensure edits stay true to the original performance. Clips up to 10 seconds long can be transformed, keeping actor intent intact while allowing full redesign of scenery, props, or entire characters. Independent tests show Modify Video outperforms competitors in retaining natural fluidity and facial continuity. Though currently capped at short clips, it opens doors for creatives to reimagine footage with ease—ideal for pitching, storyboarding, or even final edits.
Cursor 1.0: The AI IDE That Writes and Fixes Your Code
Cursor, the AI-powered code editor by Anysphere, has officially hit version 1.0, bringing a wave of automation and intelligence to software development. The standout feature, BugBot, can now review GitHub pull requests and leave comments with suggested fixes, streamlining code review for developers. Another major upgrade is the release of Background Agents, AI bots that clone your repository, make changes on a new branch, and push updates—all without interrupting your workflow. Plus, the new Memories function allows the editor to retain context from previous chats, enabling more consistent and personalized coding help.
But this powerful update isn’t without concerns. Background Agents operate remotely with deep access to codebases, raising valid security risks. There’s no third-party audit yet, and prompt injection vulnerabilities remain a worry. While many welcome features like improved Jupyter support and persistent memory, some users have reported bugs like context confusion and overlapping edits. Still, Cursor 1.0 marks a significant leap toward hands-free, AI-driven development—pushing boundaries even as it polishes the edges.
UK’s HMND‑01: A Humanoid Built to Work, Not Just Impress
A British startup named Humanoid has revealed a teaser for its upcoming robot, the HMND‑01, designed with real-world tasks in mind—not just tech demos. Standing 175 cm tall and weighing 70 kg, the robot can either walk or move on wheels, carry up to 15 kg, and operate for around four hours on a single charge. It’s built for roles in logistics, manufacturing, retail, and even domestic spaces. What sets it apart is its modular design, allowing users to swap torsos, limbs, or tool-ends, enabling adaptability while keeping production costs low.
CEO Artem Sokolov emphasized a clear mission: to make humanoid robots as common and useful as smartphones. Unlike showy machines built for flashy performances, HMND‑01 is intended to quietly handle real tasks like navigating store aisles, picking and placing items, or assisting with warehouse duties. As labor shortages and automation gaps grow in a global economy worth trillions, this practical robot aims to fill the remaining 80% of manual handling work that’s yet to be automated. The future of humanoids, it seems, is finally getting down to business.
Musk–Trump Feud Clouds xAI’s $5 B Debt Raise”
Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, backed by his social media platform X, is currently pursuing a $5 billion debt financing to fund data center expansion. Led by Morgan Stanley, the deal saw strong initial interest—over $4 billion in commitments—and was intended to close by mid-June. However, a recent public clash between Musk and former President Trump has shifted investor sentiment: xAI’s existing bonds dropped from near 100 cents to around 95–97 cents, and Tesla’s stock slipped amid speculation that Trump might revoke government contracts tied to Musk’s businesses.
Bankers are now concerned the fallout could increase borrowing costs or force Morgan Stanley to add incentives—like higher yields—to complete the debt raise. Though nothing has derailed the deal yet—ordering remains healthy and the $300 million equity raise is still underway—investors are evaluating possible political risks, including Trump’s influence over government contracts. The market is now carefully watching whether these tensions complicate the closing of the deal, currently targeted for mid-to-late June