Google Photos to Receive Major AI Image‑to‑Video Upgrade
Key Points
- Google Photos will add a full AI text‑prompt box for its image‑to‑video feature.
- Current options like “subtle movement” and “I’m feeling lucky” will be expanded.
- The feature runs on Google’s Veo 2 model, not the newer Veo 3.
- Upgrade aligns with Google’s broader AI integration across apps and Nest devices.
- New Nest hardware, including cameras and a future smart speaker, will include Gemini.
- OpenAI is also advancing video AI with Sora 2 and potential ChatGPT hardware.
Google Photos is set to expand its AI‑driven image‑to‑video feature with a full text‑prompt interface, allowing users to describe exactly how they want still images animated. The upgrade builds on the existing Veo 2 model and reflects Google’s broader push to embed AI tools like Gemini across its apps and Nest hardware, while competitors such as OpenAI continue to roll out their own video‑generation services.
Google Photos AI Upgrade
Google Photos is preparing a significant enhancement to its AI‑powered image‑to‑video feature. Hidden code discovered in the latest app version indicates a forthcoming full text‑prompt box, enabling users to specify precisely what should happen in the generated video clip. This expands on the current limited options, such as “subtle movement” and “I’m feeling lucky,” which let the AI decide the animation.
The feature continues to rely on Google’s Veo 2 model. Although it is not the newest Veo 3 model, Veo 2 still delivers impressive results from a single starting image. The upgrade underscores Google’s strategy of integrating its AI models—Gemini, Veo, and others—across a wide range of services and devices.
Google’s AI push extends beyond Photos. The company recently introduced new Nest smart‑home hardware, including updated cameras and a forthcoming smart speaker, all equipped with Gemini. This reflects a broader effort to give Google’s AI tools a wider reach than some competitors.
Meanwhile, rival OpenAI is expanding its own video‑generation capabilities with the launch of the Sora 2 video app and rumors of ChatGPT‑powered hardware. Though there is no guarantee the hidden Photos feature will roll out to all users, the evidence suggests a likely next step in Google’s AI roadmap.