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Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Google Photos AI Remix: Are Your Memories Still Real?
Google Photos is prepping a new AI-powered feature that can turn still images into moving videos. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Google Photos is developing a new 'Remix' feature that turns still photos into AI videos. Remix prioritizes fun and ease of use over creative control The feature raises concerns over how we view our memories. Google Photos is primed to significantly change the way we interact with our memories, thanks to an experimental new AI-powered 'Remix' feature that will let you transform any still images into entertaining video clips using AI. While this sounds like a fun new way to enjoy our photos, for me, it also raises questions about the authenticity of our memories and whether such a feature is really appropriate for Google Photos. Early signs of the Remix feature were first spotted in the Google Photos app a couple of months ago, focused mainly on transforming photos into various artistic styles, but now a new report from Android Authority , reveals Google's demo of a new image-to-video function, suggesting that the feature is getting closer to release. Google's Remix feature turns still images into fun videos with AI. GOOGLE/ANDROID AUTHORITY The demo video, unearthed by software sleuth AssembleDebug , shows a still image of a cute dog, accompanied by two human friends in the park. Remix then transforms this image into a celebration including natural movements from all three participants, with the addition of applause and falling confetti. Introductory text below the clip states, 'Simply choose a photo, pick a fun prompt to apply, and see your photo transform,' displayed above a large 'Try now' button implying that Google is preparing to introduce the new Remix feature to users imminently. According to previous discoveries reported on by Android Authority , these 'fun prompts' will include 'Subtle Movements, ' 'Go Wild,' and 'I'm Feeling Lucky,' suggesting that users will have only limited control over the videos they create. With the Pixel 10-series launch just weeks away, the release of Remix could be strategically timed to showcase the capabilities of Google's latest Pixel devices. However, there's nothing in the code to suggest when, or for whom, the feature will eventually become available. Perhaps it will launch as a Pixel 10 exclusive, or for Google One subscribers only: we'll have to wait and see. Not The Same As Gemini's Veo 3 Image-To-Video? Google adds image-to-video capabilities to Gemini for Gemini Pro and Gemini Ultra subscribers GOOGLE Remix appears, at first glance, to offer similar functionality to other image-to-video AI applications, including the version powered by Google's own Veo 3 model, recently made available to Gemini Pro and Gemini Ultra subscribers in the Gemini app. However, there seem to be some important differences between the two, not least being the fact that Veo 3 allows you to type any text prompt you like when generating a video rather than forcing you to pick from a list. Veo 3 can also generate audio for your AI clips, something which isn't mentioned as a feature of Remix. However, I think Remix's inherent limitations could be vital in maintaining Google Photos' core usage as a place for storing, reliving and sharing memories. Is Google Photos the right place for AI Video? Google has a history of using the latest available technologies, including AI, to enhance and repurpose the photos and videos in our libraries by automatically-generating animations and short videos and collating our most interesting memories into 'Moments.' However, the Remix feature appears to take things a step further by encouraging users to turn their photos into videos of moments that never actually happened. I feel Google Photos should be a place for storing real memories rather than a platform for creating synthetic content. Google Photos is pretty good at separating out different types of content, such as screenshots and documents, so it's reasonable to hope it will do the same with AI-generated videos. However, if Remix AI-videos start appearing in Google's automatically-generated 'Moments,' I think we'll have a problem — especially if they become difficult to distinguish from reality. Remix runs the risk of blurring the lines between genuine memories and what many would consider 'AI slop.' I'm sure there's plenty of fun to be had in sharing short AI-generated clips, but I wouldn't want them clogging up my photo library. Much will depend on the details of how Google implements Remix and how Google Photos curates these AI videos alongside our genuine photos and videos. Would you use Remix? Let me know in the comments below. Follow @paul_monckton on Instagram. Forbes Google Photos Gives New AI Photo Editor To All — And It's A Genius Move By Paul Monckton Forbes Google Photos Is Getting Smarter About Deleting Your Worst Pictures By Paul Monckton
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
Google Drive's redesign is slowly spreading to all corners of the app
Google's in the process of visually updating its apps (and Android itself) with its shiny new Material 3 Expressive design language. These changes have been rolling out piecemeal. Back in June, Google Drive got a new Material 3 Expressive-styled video player. Now, in an APK teardown of the latest version of Google Drive, Android Authority managed to enable a new look in other corners of the app. These Material 3 Expressive overhauls haven't been particularly dramatic so far, primarily tweaking existing layouts and touch targets to better direct your attention to important bits of the UI. This upcoming Google Drive refresh is along those lines. According to screenshots published by Android Authority, Drive will soon get a spiffed-up overflow menu, accessible by tapping the three-dot icon in any document. Old, new, old, new. Source: AssembleDebug via Android Authority The new menu has colorful, pill-shaped buttons. For folders, these buttons are Share, Add to starred, and Summarize this folder. Instead of Summarize this folder, individual files have aMake available offline option. Android Authority also points out that the old version's Manage access button is gone in the redesigned version, with that functionality now tucked behind the share menu. Android Authority also spotted a more prominent Summarize this file button in Drive's PDF viewer. Noted Android tinkerer AssembleDebug was able to get these changes up and running in version of the Google Drive app; they're not user-facing in any released version of Drive yet. But given Google's been updating tons of its apps with Material 3 Expressive elements in recent weeks, you should expect to see these updates in your own Drive app soon. Google Drive Google LLC PRODUCTIVITY Price: Free 4.3 Download
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
The Google app is getting a Material 3 Expressive glow-up in a few subtle ways
Android's Material 3 Expressive redesign stands to change the look and feel of Android and its apps in quite a few ways. Some, like a streamlined quick settings panel and bouncy animations, are hard to miss. Other changes will fly under the radar somewhat, but add polish and improve the interface's cohesiveness. Some upcoming tweaks to the Google app fall in the second category. Spotted in an APK teardown by AssembleDebug, you'd hardly notice these three updates on their own. But they should contribute to Android remaining fresh and fun, at least a little (Source: Android Authority). Now you see it, now you don't. Screenshots courtesy of AssembleDebug via Android Authority. The first change starts at the top. The unveiled status bar sports a translucent gradient background for a modern, polished look. The minor flourish makes notifications easier to see in light mode, although it's barely noticeable in dark mode. Another small but welcome update is coming to the search progress bar, which appears slightly thicker with rounded corners for a softer and also more prominent presentation. Like the others, it's a minor tweak, but one that aligns nicely with the rest of Material 3 Expressive's identity. The most functional change affects the bottom navigation bar. Currently, those tabs stay pinned as you scroll through your feed, but Google is testing a new behavior that hides the bottom tabs when scrolling down. It helps reduce visual clutter when you're focused on the next content at the bottom of the screen. When you scroll up, the tab icons reappear. Screen recording courtesy of AssembleDebug via Android Authority. The code review also provided a peek at a slick new Material 3 loading animation that triggers when you reach the bottom of the feed. Alongside that, there's a new 'Refresh' button that pops up under the search bar as you scroll. Most of these changes should gradually roll out in the next few days. Since it's an app update rather than an overarching Android change, it won't be limited to Pixels like the QPR1 beta features.
Android Authority
09-06-2025
- Android Authority
Here's how Pixel battery health assistance will work to maximize your phone's lifespan
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google Pixel devices will soon receive a new battery health assistance feature to help manage the battery's long-term health and performance. The feature will adjust the battery's maximum voltage and charging speed as it ages to prolong device usability. We've enabled the feature before the official release to get an early look at its settings page. Google plans to introduce a new battery health feature on Pixel devices to help manage the battery's long term health and performance. Details about the upcoming battery health assistance feature were first spotted shortly after Google unveiled the Pixel 9a. At the time, we learned that it would automatically adjust the battery's maximum voltage and charging speed as it ages to prolong usability. We now have an early look at its settings page ahead of the official rollout. Google recently released an update for the Settings Services app with all the necessary elements to enable the battery health assistance feature on Pixel devices. Although the feature is still not live for users, Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug manually enabled it on a Pixel 9 to grab the following screenshots. As expected, Google will add the battery health assistance feature to the Battery health settings page on Pixel phones. The page highlights that the feature will help 'manage long term battery health and performance,' and users may notice 'slight changes in charging performance and battery capacity' as the battery ages. Tapping the battery health assistance option will open a new page with a toggle to turn the feature on or off. Google has previously confirmed that the battery health assistance feature will not be limited to the Pixel 9a. The company said the feature will roll out to older Pixel phones as an optional setting this March, suggesting it may be mandatory on the Pixel 9a. If so, the battery health assistance toggle may not be available on the budget-friendly phone. Battery health assistance is expected to roll out to Pixel devices with the stable Android 16 update. We'll update this post as soon as it's available widely. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
WhatsApp to soon release feature allowing log out without erasing data: Report
WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature that will let users log out of their main account without deleting their data permanently. Currently, WhatsApp lets you log out of accounts on linked devices, but it does not allowing logging out of the account on primary device without loosing the data. Users have to delete their account if they want to log out. This possibly upcoming feature was uncovered by Android Authority in collaboration with AssembleDebug, a column about new features in Google apps. He spotted this feature in the latest beta release (version 2.25.17.37) of WhatsApp. According to the report, this feature will be available under Whatsapp's settings and account menu. Tapping the logout option in Account Settings will lead to a pop-up asking the user to choose between erasing all data and keeping all data and preferences. The latter option will work exactly like uninstalling WhatsApp without removing data. This option will be extremely useful for users looking for a break from WhatsApp or those looking to troubleshoot an issue. It will provide flexibility for users about which device they want their account to be on. The user will also be able to log out of one account and switch to another account on the same device. The report states that while this option will log you out, it will keep your chats and group chats, including media and data, and the user preferences will remain untouched. This option is likely being tested internally, as the screenshot of the current beta release shown in the report has the term 'Internal' on it. The feature is expected to reach some users before a full rollout to wider audiences.
