Editor’s note: The above video and video below show off the original Compact Processor 800 design and functionality. As you’ll read in the article, some of this functionality and the add-on accessories are no longer available in this updated version.

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Last August, we shared a crowdfunding campaign for the Compact Processor 800 (CP800), an all-in-one film processing machine from Australian film lab, FilmNeverDie. While the crowdfunding campaign didn’t reach its initial goal, FilmNeverDie is determined to get the machine out to customers, announcing it is now selling a pared down version of the CP800 directly on its website with no need to pledge money for a crowdfunding campaign.

On its new product page, FilmNeverDie says it’s ‘still charging ahead [with the CP800], with a few caveats […] so that we can still produce a machine that can perform well.’

Some of those caveats include the removable 2L or 5L chemistry storage unit, the programmable temperature control, the dimmable LCD display with D-pad control panel and the metal construction with black 3D-printed components. Now, FilmNeverDie suggests using single-dose chemistry for processing and using a sous vide machine to get the chemistry up to temperature.

Aside from those features, and the fact these machines will be manufactured in Malaysia rather than Australia (which was the original plan), the same basic functionality and design remains. The CP800 now features a 304 Stainless Steel design, uses a large capacity processing drum (capable of developing eight 35mm rolls or four 120 rolls), has 12 indexed hoses (six inlet, six outlet) for pumping and disposing of chemistry/water, includes chemistry level detectors and has an LCD screen.

The device is compatible with Paterson, AP and Jobo 1500 reels and each step of the development process is customizable using the integrated display and software.

In addition to purchasing the entire unit, FilmNeverDie has also made the entire project Open Source, so both the hardware and software can be tinkered with for those who either want to build their own processor or customize the software to better fit their developing needs. The entire project can be found here under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

FilmNeverDie has shared an FAQ about the Compact Processor 800, as well as full documentation of nearly every detail of this second attempt to get automated processing into the hands of small film labs and ambitious film photographers.

One interesting detail though is that FilmNeverDie doesn’t ever explicitly answer whether or not the CP800 will be compatible with the typical household outlets you find in the United States. We have contacted FilmNeverDie for clarity on the matter, because the last update on the FAQ page says ‘Let us get back to you.’

The CP800 is now available to purchase through FilmNeverDie’s online shop for $4350 (roughly $2,750). All complete units shipped from FilmNeverDie come with a five-year warranty on all parts.

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Google's Imagen AI system converts natural text to images, much like DALL-E 2. However, unlike OpenAI's DALL-E, Google has thus far kept its text-to-image AI model out of the public's hands. That's changing, at least slightly. Google has announced it will add a very limited form of Imagen to its AI Test Kitchen app.

AI Test Kitchen released earlier this year to allow Google to beta test some of its AI technologies. Google will be adding Imagen to the app with some constraints. Users can interact with Imagen in two ways, called 'City Dreamer' and 'Wobble.'

Within City Dreamer, you can use Imagen to create an AI-generated city with whatever theme the user wants. For example, if you want a 'Cyber City,' Imagen's City Dreamer will create sample buildings centered around the 'cyber' theme. The designs appear as isometric models, which as The Verge points out, looks 'similar to what you'd see in SimCity.'

Credit: Google

While City Dreamer's name befits its purpose, 'Wobble' is more confusing. Within Wobble, you create a monster. Users select the material the monster is made of, such as clay, felt, or rubber, and then outfit it with clothing of their choice. Imagen then creates the monster you described, and you can name it and interact with it. The model is constrained enough that you can't make any monster you want, but instead, every monster in Wobble will share some design language. There's not nearly as much freedom as there is in DALL-E's public beta nor as much freedom as Imagen can deliver.

Google won't go so far as to say that the limitations are features in and of themselves, but they are important as the tech giant continues to fine-tune Imagen. AI Test Kitchen is designed to get feedback and help find issues with Google's AI technologies. Part of finding problems is exercising control over how the user interacts with the system.

Credit: Google

As AI technology becomes more sophisticated and prevalent, associated risks exist. When given total freedom and control, a small subset of users may rush to find ways to abuse it. When you're a company like Google, users misusing your products can have significant consequences and can cause real damage, either to other users or, in extreme cases, to Google itself.

There's little doubt that Imagen is a state-of-the-art AI model. However, with great power comes great responsibility. It's unclear what form Imagen will take when, or if, it ever becomes a commercial product with full public availability. However, for now, users can test it out with City Dreamer and Wobble. AI Test Kitchen is available as a free download on Android and iOS. You must sign up for a waitlist to use the app. I signed up and look forward to creating a monster of my own soon.

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