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Luma AI Unveils Ray3 Modify: Redefining Video Transformation

Innovative AI Model Transforms Video Editing

Luma AI, the a16z-backed leader in AI video and 3D modeling technology, has introduced its latest innovation, Ray3 Modify. This groundbreaking model allows creators to modify existing footage by using character reference images that faithfully preserve the original performance. By specifying start and end frames, users can seamlessly generate transitional footage, elevating the creative process.

Preserving Authentic Performance

Ray3 Modify addresses a critical challenge in visual production: maintaining the integrity of human performance amidst digital transformation. According to Luma AI, the model ensures that key elements—such as motion, timing, eye line, and emotional delivery—are retained, enabling creative studios to incorporate human actors within AI-modified scenarios. This capability is essential for studios aiming to produce consistent and high-quality brand or creative content.

Expanding Creative Possibilities

Beyond preserving performance, Ray3 Modify empowers creators by facilitating detailed character transformations. Users may provide a reference image to transform an actor’s appearance, retaining crucial details like costumes, likeness, and identity across the shoot. Additionally, by offering start and end frames, directors can meticulously control transitions and character behavior, ensuring smooth continuity between scenes.

Strategic Industry Implications and Funding Momentum

In a statement, Amit Jain, co-founder and CEO of Luma AI, emphasized that the development of generative video models has historically been challenged by issues of control. “Generative video models are incredibly expressive but also hard to control. Today, we are excited to introduce Ray3 Modify that blends the real-world with the expressivity of AI while giving full control to creatives,” Jain explained. The model is now available via the company’s Dream Machine platform.

This release follows significant market developments, including Luma AI’s recent funding surge. A fresh $900 million funding round, led by Saudi Arabia’s Humain and witnessed by investors such as a16z, Amplify Partners, and Matrix Partners, underscores the high stakes in the AI-driven visual content arena. Furthermore, Luma AI’s strategic plans include building a 2GW AI cluster in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its commitment to expanding technological capabilities and market reach.

Conclusion

With Ray3 Modify, Luma AI is setting a new benchmark in the integration of AI with video production. By offering unprecedented control over digital transformations without compromising on performance authenticity, the new model positions the company at the forefront of an industry undergoing rapid evolution.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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