OpenAI has announced the release of Sora, a state-of-the-art AI video-generation tool that enables users to create high-definition videos from text prompts or still images. Functioning similarly to the company’s DALL-E tool for images, Sora can also extend existing videos, fill in missing frames, and blend scenes seamlessly.

The tool, included in existing ChatGPT Plus and Pro accounts, will debut in the U.S. and most international markets, though OpenAI has no timeline for a European launch. Demonstrated during a livestream, Sora’s features include endless video looping and multimodal capabilities, combining text, image, and video generation.

While hailed as a leap forward in generative AI, Sora’s development has sparked controversy. Some artists involved in early testing criticized OpenAI for unpaid labor and limited transparency, accusing the company of using them for promotional purposes. OpenAI defended its approach, emphasizing that participation was voluntary and highlighting ongoing support for artists through grants and events.

Sora positions OpenAI to compete with similar tools from companies like Google, Meta, and Stability AI, as generative video technology emerges as the next frontier in artificial intelligence.