A potentially controversial application of Google’s new Gemini 2.0 Flash AI model has emerged: users are leveraging it to remove watermarks from images, including those from stock photo sites such as Getty Images.

The recently expanded image generation feature of Gemini 2.0 Flash allows for native image generation and editing, a powerful tool that seemingly lacks robust usage restrictions. Social media users have highlighted how the AI can not only remove watermarks but also intelligently fill in the resulting gaps, often with impressive accuracy, and it’s currently free within Google’s AI Studio developer tools.

While labeled “experimental” and “not for production use,” Gemini 2.0 Flash’s ability to bypass watermarks stands in contrast to models like Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet and OpenAI’s GPT-4o, which explicitly prohibit such actions, citing ethical and legal concerns.

It’s important to note that Gemini 2.0 Flash isn’t foolproof; it can struggle with semi-transparent or heavily overlaid watermarks. Nevertheless, the ease with which it can remove watermarks raises potential copyright issues, as removing a watermark without the copyright holder’s permission is generally illegal in many countries. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing powerful AI capabilities with copyright protection.

Apple today introduced Apple Invites, a new app for iPhone that helps users create custom invitations to gather friends and family for any occasion. With Apple Invites, users can create and easily share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and engage with Apple Music playlists. Starting today, users can download Apple Invites from the App Store, or access it on the web through icloud.com/ae/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations, and anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.

“With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”

To get started with Apple Invites, users can choose an image from their photo library or the app’s gallery of backgrounds — a curated collection of images representing different occasions and event themes. Integrations with Maps and Weather give guests directions to the event and the forecast for that day.

Additionally, participants can easily contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite to help preserve memories and relive the event. Collaborative playlists allow Apple Music subscribers to create a curated event soundtrack that guests can access right from Apple Invites.

With Apple Intelligence, creating unique event invitations is easy. Users can tap into the built-in Image Playground experience to produce original images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library. When composing invitations, users can use Writing Tools to help find just the right turn of phrase to meet the moment.

Hosts get full control of their invite experience: They can easily view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, review RSVPs, and choose the details they want included in the preview, like the event background or a home address. Guests can view and respond to an invitation using the new iPhone app or on the web without needing an iCloud+ subscription or an Apple Account. Attendees control how their details show up to others, and have the ability to leave or report an event at any time.

In addition to event creation in Apple Invites, iCloud+ subscribers have access to many more premium features:

• Expanded storage allows users to keep large libraries of original, high-resolution photos, videos, and files safe in iCloud, and easily accessible across all of their devices and the web.
• Private Relay keeps browsing in Safari entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
• Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
• HomeKit Secure Video allows users to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
• Custom email domains enable users to personalize their iCloud email addresses.
• Family Sharing allows users to share their iCloud+ subscription with up to five people at no extra cost.

Apple Invites is available today as a free download from the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later.

Elgato has unveiled Wave Link 2.0, the next-generation evolution of its acclaimed audio management software, packed with groundbreaking features and significant quality-of-life upgrades. Designed to address the challenges content creators, streamers, and digital professionals face, Wave Link 2.0 introduces tools like Voice Focus and One-Click Audio Routing, setting a new standard for audio control and customisation.

One of the standout features of Wave Link 2.0 is Voice Focus, a cutting-edge vocal enhancement tool developed in collaboration with ai|coustics. Leveraging advanced machine learning technology, Voice Focus eliminates unwanted background noise, room reverb, and echo while isolating the user’s voice for crystal-clear audio. This tool is a game-changer for creators working in less-than-ideal acoustic environments, delivering professional-grade sound quality in seconds—without the need for complex audio configurations. Whether streaming, podcasting, or participating in virtual meetings, Voice Focus ensures users sound polished and professional, even in spaces with poor acoustics. It’s an ideal solution for those who lack the time or expertise to fine-tune audio settings manually.

Wave Link 2.0 also introduces One-Click Audio Routing, a feature that revolutionises how users manage multiple audio channels. With just a single click, users can assign apps to specific channels, streamlining setup while maintaining flexibility. Additional enhancements like App Grouping, Input Channel Renaming, and Channel Hiding further improve organisation and usability, allowing creators to focus on their content rather than troubleshooting their audio setup.

These updates make Wave Link 2.0 an intuitive and efficient tool for managing complex audio workflows, ensuring a seamless experience for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Wave Link 2.0 doesn’t stop at routing and vocal enhancements—it also offers a suite of professional-grade audio effects. Built-in tools like Compressor, De-Esser, Equaliser, and ReverbFX enable precise audio tuning, while support for third-party VST2, VST3, and AU plugins opens up endless possibilities for sonic customisation.

For creators seeking ready-made solutions, the Elgato Marketplace provides a growing library of digital assets, including presets and tools from top creators like EposVox and Harris Heller. Once effects are applied, the built-in Sound Check tool allows users to preview their settings and make final adjustments, ensuring their audio is polished before going live.

As part of the Elgato ecosystem, Wave Link 2.0 integrates seamlessly with Stream Deck, taking audio control to the next level. Users can export their Wave Link settings to Stream Deck with a single click, transforming the device into a hardware mixer-like interface. This integration eliminates the need to navigate software during critical moments, allowing creators to stay focused on their content and audience.

With its innovative features and user-centric design, Wave Link 2.0 redefines what’s possible in audio management. From Voice Focus’s studio-quality vocal enhancements to One-Click Audio Routing’s streamlined setup, Elgato continues to empower creators and professionals with tools that elevate their craft. Wave Link 2.0 is now available, offering a transformative audio experience for anyone looking to achieve exceptional sound quality with ease. Whether you’re a streamer, podcaster, or digital professional, Wave Link 2.0 is poised to become an essential part of your creative toolkit.