Google Photos is set to introduce two new artificial intelligence (AI) features aimed at enhancing users’ ability to manipulate their images within the application. On Wednesday, the tech company, based in Mountain View, California, revealed an AI-driven image-to-video capability that enables users to convert photos from their gallery into short videos. This innovative feature leverages the company’s advanced Veo 2 AI model. Furthermore, Google Photos will unveil a new Remix option which allows users to creatively reinterpret their images in various artistic styles.
Major AI Upgrade for Google Photos
In a detailed blog post, Google outlined the upcoming features set to roll out in Google Photos. Currently, these options will be exclusively available in the United States for both Android and iOS platforms. The application will also introduce a new Create tab, helping users easily access all AI functionalities.
The standout feature being launched is called Photo to Video. Utilizing the Veo 2 model, this feature can transform any selected photograph into a six-second video clip. Users simply need to choose an image from their gallery and select the feature from the menu. They will then have the choice between “Subtle movements,” which adds minor shifts to the image, or “I’m feeling lucky,” which introduces random motions.
Photo to Video feature in Google Photos
Photo Credit: Google
Google emphasized that this feature is designed to enliven cherished memories. Although there are inherent risks of misuse, such as the potential for deepfake creation, the absence of user prompts limiting the direction of the generated videos mitigates these concerns. The rollout for this feature has commenced for Google Photos users in the U.S.
The second new feature, Remix, bears resemblance to Apple’s Image Playground. This tool allows users to select an image and choose from a variety of preset styles, including anime, comic book illustrations, sketches, or 3D animations, to transform their picture accordingly. Google announced that this feature will be available to U.S.-based Android and iOS users in the weeks to come.
Additionally, Google Photos will feature the new Create tab positioned at the bottom of the interface, nestled between the Collections and Search options. This tab will consolidate all existing and forthcoming features, making them readily accessible. At launch, users can find Photo to Video, Remix, Collages, Highlight Videos, amongst other features in this section.
