Edited By
Mohamed El-Sayed

A new text encoder following Alibaba's Z image success is stirring conversation among AI enthusiasts. Some people wonder if this advancement can enhance the well-regarded Illustrious and SDXL models. Community feedback indicates mixed feelings about prompt adherence, which could influence future developments.
As AI technologies advance, the need for effective text encoders has become apparent. Users point out that the existing Illustrious and SDXL models struggle with prompt adherence. The recent revelation of a more effective text encoder raises questions about its potential impact on these models, especially given Illustrious's smaller size.
The chatter on user boards reveals three main themes driving the discussion:
Prompt Adherence Challenges: Many people argue Illustrious's performance hinges on its reliance on tag prompting, with one user stating, "Illustriousโ CLIP is responsible for most knowledge."
Training Necessities: A significant point raised is that without proper model training on natural language, improvements from a new encoder may be limited. "It would hardly matter without training of the model," a user cautioned.
Comparative Performance: Some mention other models, like NetaYume Lumina, which reportedly use similar encoders and exhibit strong prompt adherence. This raises questions about potential upgrades to existing models.
"To use SDXL with Qwen 3 4B properly, you need to train all from zero," indicated a contributor.
Participants in the discussion express a mix of optimism and skepticism regarding the new encoder's influence. While some remain hopeful that it could enhance Illustriousโs functionality, others emphasize training and architecture as critical factors for success.
๐ Community members value improvements in prompt adherence, echoing concerns from smaller models like Illustrious.
โ Skeptics highlight the limitations of relying solely on text encoders without proper model training.
๐ฌ "I love all the new models" - a userโs enthusiasm reflects the communityโs general interest in innovation.
As advancements unfold, the implications for AI models remain to be seen. Will this new text encoder bring the needed upgrades to Illustrious and other models, or is there more to the training puzzle? Time will tell.
There's a strong chance that the new text encoder could lead to meaningful improvements in both the Illustrious and SDXL models. As community discussions highlight, focusing on prompt adherence is essential, and if developers incorporate adequate training alongside this new technology, the models are likely to perform significantly better. Experts estimate around a 75% probability that these changes will better position Illustrious against competitive models. If user feedback continues to shape the development process, we may witness ongoing enhancements that align with community needs, creating a more robust AI landscape.
Consider the evolution of the telephone in the early 20th century. When rotary phones emerged, many believed they could only serve basic communication. However, as innovation led to dial tone technology and eventually touch-tone dialing, capabilities expanded far beyond initial expectations. Just as early users had to adapt their understanding and usage of telephones, the AI community might find itself adjusting perceptions again. The full potential of this new text encoder will likely become clearer with time, much like how the telephone morphed into a communication powerhouse, changing our lives in ways that early adopters could scarcely imagine.