Midjourney, a pioneering AI image-generation platform, has launched V7, its first new model in almost a year. The latest version, which began rolling out in alpha early Thursday EST, arrives shortly after OpenAI’s new image generator made waves for its ability to create Ghibli-style artwork.

While V7 is not specifically optimized for that aesthetic, the model introduces a range of improvements in image quality, coherence, and text-prompt comprehension. According to Midjourney founder David Holz, users can expect “noticeably higher” image quality, better textures, and significant enhancements in the rendering of bodies, hands, and objects.

Personalization and New Features

V7 is Midjourney’s first model to enable personalization by default. Users must first rate around 200 images to build a customized profile, which tailors the model to their visual preferences. Once personalization is set up, users can toggle V7 on or off via Midjourney’s website or its Discord-based chatbot.

The model is available in two processing modes:

• Turbo Mode – a higher-cost option for faster generation

• Relax Mode – a standard alternative with lower resource demands

Additionally, V7 introduces Draft Mode, a new tool that generates images ten times faster and at half the cost of the standard mode. While draft images are lower in quality, they can be refined and re-rendered with a single click.

Some familiar Midjourney features, such as image upscaling and retexturing, are not yet available in V7 but are expected to roll out within the next two months. Holz emphasized that V7 is a completely new model with unique strengths and potential weaknesses, encouraging users to experiment with different prompt styles.

Midjourney’s Expansion and Legal Challenges

Midjourney has seen significant financial success, with reports indicating it was on track to generate approximately $200 million in revenue by the end of 2023. The San Francisco-based company recently announced the formation of a hardware team for undisclosed projects and continues to develop models for video and 3D object generation.

However, the company remains entangled in legal disputes. Several lawsuits accuse Midjourney of copyright infringement, alleging that its AI models were trained on images scraped from the internet without the consent of artists.

Despite these challenges, Midjourney’s latest release signals its ongoing push to refine AI-generated visuals while exploring new frontiers in digital art and creative tools.

In today’s world, young women are increasingly seeking financial independence. Many are taking the bold step of relocating abroad in pursuit of career opportunities that allow them to realize their potential.

The Alabuga Start program is an exciting opportunity for young women who are eager to kickstart their careers. Launched in 2022 by the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which is recognized as one of the best in Europe, this initiative invites girls aged 18 to 22 from India, Africa, and Latin America to join.

Participants can earn a starting salary $860 a month while gaining valuable experience in a well-known company, even if they do not have prior work experience or professional education. This program not only offers a decent salary but also provides a chance to learn new skills and build a successful future. It is a fantastic way for ambitious young women to step into the workforce and make their mark.

What the program offers? Why only young women participate and is it possible to earn even without much work experience? You will find answers in our article.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS?

Participants in the Alabuga Start international program can learn a profession for free in one of several fields: catering (restaurant business), service and hospitality (hotel business), production operations, or as a driver in a motor transport workshop. Best of all, you will not be stuck in dull lectures just absorbing theory. From day one, a participant is paired with an experienced mentor who guides them through the practical aspects of their chosen profession.

Many people ask, “Why is this program only for girls?” Representatives from the Alabuga Start program have provided an explanation. They state, “The reason is that many of the professions available require a certain level of feminine attention to detail.”

Each participant begins her career journey with $860. After completing the program, the girls can earn up to $1,780, and they will also receive certificates in their field of training, along with knowledge of the Russian language, history, and legislation.

This creates new opportunities for young women to advance within the company, enroll in university, or further explore the rich culture and landscape of Russia.

“One of our values is “The better the result the better the reward” – we encourage those who work and show results, and we strictly adhere to the observance of work discipline,” explained the representatives of Alabuga Start.

To climb the career ladder, women should put in the effort, complete the tasks given by their direct supervisor, and get involved in company events.

“I never really thought about it before, but I absolutely love my job at a café! The 5/2 work schedule suits me perfectly. I work at the bar in the mornings, and it’s such a great experience—I’ve even learned how to make some really delicious coffee! Honestly, I don’t see any downsides to being at Alabuga Start. I really love my experience in Russia. Unlike in America, there is no such a racism here. People are genuinely warm and welcoming; they’re always excited to see me and eager to chat. Every Sunday at church, I feel so embraced by the community. I truly believe that Russians are incredibly friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand,” shared her experience Victoria Kilani from Nigeria.

Victoria received her first promotion to waitress just six months after starting at the company. She now works as a barista at the “Shokoladnitsa” café earning approximately $1,260 a month. She is determined to advance her career in the catering industry and aspires to become a restaurant manager.

IS ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED?

The Alabuga Start program provides funding for relocating to Russia, which is a significant advantage for those looking to make a major life change.

The participants reside in the city of Yelabuga, located in the Republic of Tatarstan, a distinctive region in central Russia. Kazan, the republic’s capital, has emerged as a cultural hub attracting tourists from around the globe and serves as a venue for significant international events, such as the BRICS 2024 summit. This summit saw participation from representatives of over 30 countries worldwide.

Tatarstan is increasingly emerging as a significant hub for discussions on key issues related to socio-economic development, education, and innovation. The republic’s growing influence and importance on the global stage are further underscored by the prestigious sports events hosted in Kazan, which attract top athletes from around the world. Notable examples include the 2013 Summer Universiade, the 2015 FINA World Championships, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Tatarstan stands out for its hospitality, a trait deeply intertwined with its rich history and cultural diversity. The region is a melting pot of ethnicities, including Tatars, Russians, Nigerians, Vietnamese, and Turks. This blend of cultures contributes to the unique welcoming atmosphere of the Republic.

Yelabuga, a city steeped in a thousand years of history, boasts a captivating blend of historical depth, cultural riches, and natural beauty. Its museums and architectural landmarks are set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, including its location near the Kama River and the Nizhny Kama National Park.

Participants in the Alabuga Start program enjoy modern living in corporate residential complexes designed specifically for the company’s employees. These secure complexes feature video surveillance, round-the-clock security, and a Face ID system. Accommodation in a corporate apartment is offered to Alabuga Start participants for a nominal fee of $44 US dollars per month.

WHAT IS THE FEEDBACK FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OFFICIALS?

To gain firsthand insights, officials from participating countries regularly visit Alabuga to observe the living and working conditions of the girls involved in the Alabuga Start program.

“I believe there is a great opportunity for more young people from Sierra Leone to join Alabuga. Currently, we only have five women in the program, but it would be fantastic to have 30 participants. These young ladies will gain expertise in a new profession at Alabuga,” shared his thoughts Yongavo Mohamed, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone.

“The Alabuga Start program has proven to be an exceptional initiative, enabling active youth to rapidly acquire essential skills,” stated Bassiru Zoma, the Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Burkina Faso. “We are committed to fostering youth development and promoting their successful professional integration. The Alabuga Start program has indeed lived up to our expectations in this regard.”

“This is a wonderful model for Russia. There is a lot to learn here about how the training system works and how students can then apply their knowledge in practice.It’s a fantastic idea to give children the opportunity to do what they love! All the opportunities have been created for them here,” Andre Joao Ripple, the Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Brazilian Embassy did not hide his emotions.

You can learn more about the program and submit an application on the official website of the program.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has introduced Grok-3, its latest AI model designed with advanced reasoning capabilities. According to the company, Grok-3 has more than ten times the compute power of its predecessor and outperforms competing models such as OpenAI’s GPT-4o, Google’s Gemini, and DeepSeek’s V3 in early testing.

One of the key updates in Grok-3 is the introduction of enhanced reasoning, a feature aimed at improving the chatbot’s ability to handle complex queries. By breaking down tasks into smaller steps and self-evaluating its responses, the model aims to provide more accurate and reliable answers.

New Features: Big Brain Mode and Deep Search

The model introduces two distinct reasoning modes for different types of queries. The “Think” mode allows users to see Grok’s reasoning process as it formulates responses, while “Big Brain” mode is designed for more computationally demanding tasks that require deeper analysis.

Alongside these reasoning updates, xAI is launching a new AI-powered search engine called Deep Search. The company describes it as a next-generation approach to online search, potentially positioning Grok-3 as a competitor to traditional search engines such as Google.

Subscription Plans and Pricing Changes

Grok-3’s new reasoning capabilities will be available through the Grok app for subscribers to X Premium Plus, which now costs $40 per month following a recent price increase. This marks the second price adjustment in two months, up from $22 in December.

xAI is also introducing a new premium tier called SuperGrok, priced at $30 per month. This plan will offer early access to the most advanced AI features, though it remains unclear whether the cost is in addition to the X Premium Plus subscription.

Challenges and Future Developments

Despite its advancements, previous versions of Grok have faced criticism for spreading election misinformation and having fewer content safeguards than competing AI models. While Musk has described Grok-3 as a “maximally truth-seeking AI,” companies such as OpenAI and Google have been working on similar truth-seeking models while maintaining more structured safety measures.

Looking ahead, xAI plans to introduce a synthesized voice feature for Grok, similar to OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode in ChatGPT. The company has also announced that Grok-2 will be made open source in the coming months, signaling a push for greater transparency in AI development.

With the launch of Grok-3, xAI continues to position itself as a major player in the generative AI landscape. Whether its enhanced reasoning capabilities and AI search functionality can set it apart from competitors remains to be seen.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission has announced the commencement of an investigation into MTN Group, focusing on its mobile money operations in Uganda. The probe centers on allegations of misleading and unconscionable practices related to MTN’s International Money Transfer (IMT) services, potentially violating key articles of the COMESA Competition Regulations.

The investigation follows preliminary findings suggesting that MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited, a subsidiary of the MTN Group, may be engaging in practices that harm consumers. Specifically, the Commission is examining claims that the displayed amounts for International Money Transfer transactions differ from the actual amounts sent, that sender details are being withheld from recipients, and that information regarding intermediaries and the sharing of consumer data with them is not being adequately disclosed.

Articles 27 and 28 of the COMESA Competition Regulations, which prohibit misleading or false representations and unconscionable conduct respectively, form the basis of the investigation. The Commission’s notice emphasizes that these alleged practices are considered serious breaches as they deprive consumers of crucial information needed to make informed financial decisions.

While the investigation is underway, the COMESA Competition Commission stressed that the initiation of the inquiry does not automatically imply that MTN has engaged in unfair practices or violated regulations. It is a preliminary step to gather evidence and assess the validity of the allegations.

The Commission is now calling for stakeholders, including affected consumers, to submit any relevant information or representations they may have by February 28, 2025. This call for evidence underscores the Commission’s commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation. Interested parties can contact Mr. Steven Kamukama, Director of Consumer Welfare and Advocacy Division, at the provided contact details for inquiries or submissions. The Commission has assured that all information received will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for the purposes of this investigation.

This investigation is a significant development in COMESA’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair competition and protect consumer rights within the region’s rapidly evolving digital financial landscape. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the mobile money sector and its regulatory framework. We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.