Canva Acquires Generative AI Startup Leonardo.ai - 1

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Canva Acquires Generative AI Startup Leonardo.ai

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by

The graphic design platform Canva has announced the acquisition of the Australian generative AI platform Leonardo.ai today through a media release.

“We’re thrilled to announce our acquisition of generative AI platform Leonardo as we double down on building and scaling the world’s best visual AI,” wrote Cameron Adams, Canva co-founder and chief product officer, in the document.

Leonardo.ai’s 120 employees—including designers, researchers, and engineers—will join Canva’s team. “This acquisition bolsters our ability to supercharge our growing suite of AI products while investing in continued research and innovation to unlock the future of visual AI,” states the document.

Adams told TechCrunch that Leonardo.ai would continue to work independently, but with access to Canva’s resources and with a focus on research and development as well as quick innovation.

Canva compared the acquisition process to Affinity’s—a creative software acquired earlier this year , in March—which also has an independent agreement and has been supported for faster development by Canva.

According to TechCrunch, Leonardo.ai has over 19 million users and stands out among similar platforms for the control they provide users, with features like Live Canvas in which users can create quick sketches, and the AI-powered tool can anticipate the final result and create photorealistic images.

According to Canva, they now serve 190 million customers across the world and expect to provide new services and keep expanding. The company also announced a new partnership with Getty Images a few days ago.

While Leonardo.ai will work independently, multiple features from both companies will be integrated. “We’ll look to integrate Leonardo’s technology into Magic Studio, which we’re very excited about,” said Adams to TechCrunch. “This might include making existing Magic Studio tools more powerful, or introducing new generative AI capabilities powered by Leonardo’s models directly in Canva.”

Canva is focusing on growing fast in the AI market to stay relevant as multiple companies are developing similar products. Microsoft recently launched its AI-powered Designer app , considered direct competition to Canva, all the while Adobe is also working on new AI tools.

Tasty Spoon: A New High-Tech Utensil Helps Patients With Dementia Combat Taste Loss - 2

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Tasty Spoon: A New High-Tech Utensil Helps Patients With Dementia Combat Taste Loss

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

A new device, the Tasty Spoon , promises to improve food flavors for people with dementia, potentially combating malnutrition. Developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield, this technological aid uses electrostimulation to enhance taste for those experiencing weakened taste buds due to neurological conditions.

Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide , and with the global population aging, the number of people living with the condition is expected to soar. A key symptom is a diminished sense of taste, which can make mealtimes less enjoyable and lead to dietary imbalances.

Dr. Christian Morgner, of the University of Sheffield’s Management School and Healthy Lifespan Institute is also leading the development of the Tasty Spoon. He explains in a statement, “A loss of taste can remove the enjoyment of food which impacts patient wellbeing as food plays such a significant role in our lives. This is especially prevalent in patients who live alone or in public care homes with more generalized nutrition. In a heartfelt disclosure, an individual shared that he only ate toast for the past five years, as to him there’s no difference between toast and a regular Sunday roast.”

Researchers at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are designing and building the proof-of-concept prototype. The spoon will incorporate electronics to deliver subtle electrostimulation, helping users distinguish between different flavors and enhancing the meal experience. The device is rechargeable, easy to clean, and aims to use environmentally friendly materials.

The Alzheimer’s Society has also awarded funding to the project through its Accelerator Programme. This initiative aims to fast-track innovative dementia products to market. With this support, the team will focus on making the Tasty Spoon accessible and affordable for people living with dementia.

Simon Lord, head of innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, said in a statement for the AMRC , “Innovations like this are vital as they focus on enriching daily experiences and improving health and well-being. The Alzheimer’s Society’s Accelerator Programme is dedicated to funding tech-based solutions, […] Tasty Spoon is a unique product, and we cannot wait to help get it into the hands of people living with dementia.”