Google Photos continues to enhance its capabilities, now boasting a feature that automatically crafts highlight videos from selected images and clips in your library.
While the Google Photos app for Android and iOS has previously introduced video creation tools, this fresh update, set to launch from October 25, empowers users to specify the people, locations, or events they want to feature in an AI-generated video. The app then seamlessly stitches together a one-minute highlight reel from the chosen content.
Not only will this video amalgamate photos and video snippets, but Google Photos will also overlay music, synchronizing the visuals to the rhythm. While automated highlight videos, reminiscent of the Google Photos Memories function and offerings from brands like GoPro, can sometimes vary in quality, the prospect of testing out Google’s advanced AI video editor is certainly intriguing.
If you’re not entirely satisfied with Google Photos’ automated selections, there’s flexibility to edit. You can adjust or reorder the clips and even switch up the music.
Wondering how to access this new tool once it’s available on Android and iOS starting October 25?
Simply navigate to the top of the app and tap the ‘plus’ symbol. A dropdown menu will appear, presenting options to craft new Albums, Collages, Cinematic photos, Animations, and of course, Highlight videos.
By selecting ‘Highlight videos’, a search bar emerges, allowing you to pinpoint your desired video subjects, whether they’re individuals, locations, or specific years of events. Google’s demonstration suggests that the default video duration is set at one minute, but this stage offers the opportunity for additional customizations before finalizing with a ‘save’.
Diving deeper into AI integration
Google’s overarching strategy with photos and videos is clear: simplify and automate the editing process for the everyday user who might not have the expertise or the inclination to delve into intricate edits. This philosophy is evident in the introduction of the AI-driven video creator tool.
A similar innovation was recently integrated into Google Photos’ Memories feature. This enhancement allows users to “co-author” Memories albums collaboratively. Friends and family can contribute their unique photos and videos to your Memories, culminating in a shared video that encapsulates collective experiences.
Whether you’re an enthusiast aiming to meticulously craft your video highlights or someone who’d rather lean on Google’s advanced algorithms to do the heavy lifting, Google Photos is rapidly evolving as the go-to platform for effortless video creation and sharing.
Further emphasizing Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience, the Google Pixel 8 Pro was launched with a suite of cloud-centric video capabilities, notably Video Boost and Night Sight Video. One minor drawback is the necessity of an internet connection for these features to function.
However, Google compensates for this with other AI-driven tools like Magic Eraser and Call Screen, which operate seamlessly on-device, ensuring users can access some functionalities without the need for constant connectivity.
