Snap unveils AI text-to-image model for mobile devices – TechCrunch
Latest
AI
Amazon
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Newsletters
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Snap has unveiled an AI text-to-image research model for mobile devices that will power some of Snapchat’s features in the coming months. The company said on Tuesday that the model can produce high-resolution images in around 1.4 seconds on an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The new diffusion model runs entirely on the device, which reduces computational costs compared to models that rely on large servers. Snap notes that the model can create “stunning” visual results by “transferring rich representations from large-scale diffusion models to this smaller and more efficient model.”Snap plans to bring the technology into production in the coming months to help power the app’s AI Snaps, AI Bitmoji Backgrounds, and more. The company says that by implementing this in-house technology, it will be able to offer its community high-quality AI tools at a lower operating cost. “Snap has a long history of research excellence in model optimization and efficiency,” the company said in a blog post. “We are inspired by the industry innovation that is making AI tools more efficient, affordable, and accessible and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the rapid pace of innovation, particularly for mobile-first experiences.”The company didn’t share any further details about the model but noted that it’s the continuation of its long-term investment in AI and ML technologies.While Snap has tapped AI tools from companies like OpenAI and Google in the past to power some of its features, it has now debuted its own in-house AI model that will allow it to offer unique features to its users. It makes sense for the company to invest in AI and develop its own model, especially since nearly every tech company, including Meta, has been doing so over the past few years.Snap is scheduled to release its Q4 2024 earnings report on Tuesday. TechCrunch has an AI-focused newsletter! Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Wednesday.Topics
Consumer News Reporter
Aisha is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining the publication in 2021, she was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup. Aisha holds an honours bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University. Researchers created an open rival to OpenAI’s o1 ‘reasoning’ model for under $50
The biggest breach of US government data is under way
The Elon Musk Act aims to ban ‘special government employees’ from having federal contracts
Workday cuts nearly 2,000 employees
a16z hires acquitted former Marine Daniel Penny as an investor
Ontario cancels, then restores, $68 million Starlink contract after protesting US tariffs
Hot Tub, the first native iPhone porn app, arrives in EU
Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech newsEvery weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage.TechCrunch’s AI experts cover the latest news in the fast-moving field.Every Monday, gets you up to speed on the latest advances in aerospace.Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly.By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice.© 2024 Yahoo.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/04/snap-unveils-ai-text-to-image-model-for-mobile-devices/
