So Long Sora

Does anyone feel like they are getting whiplash with how quickly the AI scene is developing?

Example: Only a few months ago everyone was talking about the video generator by OpenAI called Sora. Launched to select creators in February 2024, it became publicly available in the US in December of that same year.

Then Sora 2 was released last September with its own dedicated app. Immediately, there was a surge of people downloading the app and it quickly rose to number one in Apple’s app store.

People were excited by Sora’s ability to create almost any video with a simple prompt. And while most used it in creative ways that were harmless and entertaining, there was controversy over the app being used to generate videos of famous people in ways some felt was disrespectful and inappropriate.

There were also IP concerns involving characters that belonged to other creators. To try to control this in some way, Disney recently announced a deal with Sora to allow some of their classic characters to be legally available to users.

Then suddenly OpenAI pulled the plug. The decision appears to be motivated by cost and a desire to shift focus. There’s also the fact that the hype around Sora seemed to wear off as it fell off the top of app store downloads quickly.

We may never know the entire reason OpenAI decided to kill Sora, but its quick demise has shown just how fast things continue to change. So how are those who are still trying to navigate this whole “AI” thing on a basic level supposed to absorb all these changes? Fortunately, MCPL can help.

Currently we have multiple in-person programs that deal with various aspects of AI. For example, our Intro to AI class is being offered at multiple branches. Check mymcpl.org or contact us by phone to sign-up.

If you are unable to attend a class and/or want to learn more, we have several databases that offer free Online courses that cover AI. LinkedIn for Libraries and Udemy are just two. All you need is your library card and you can start learning. Go to mymcpl.org/research-and-learning to find these and other resources.

And if you want a book that you can hold in your hand, here are a few suggestions that cover all things AI:

AI for the Rest of Us by Sairam Sundaresan

Generative AI for Dummies by Pamela Baker

AI for Seniors in Easy Steps by Nick Vandome

AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan

Machine Learning for Dummies by Luca Massaron

These are just a few of the titles that cover everything from Chatbots to how to write an effective prompt. We are all still at the beginning of this journey and MCPL is here to help navigate the increasingly complex waters of AI.

Pamela M.
Antioch Branch