Google Photos preps AI video remix tool with cinematic effects and background swaps

Google Photos may soon let you remix videos just like photos

Users will be able to restyle videos, change lighting, and much more. Earlier this month, when we were checking out Google's work on some new collage template options for Google Photos, we spotted another work-in-progress feature, one much more mysterious: something codenamed "Soba." The icon we found associated with Soba sure seemed to imply that this would be some manner of AI-powered video feature, but at the time we really didn't have anything else to go on. Soba's still not ready to make its public debut, but it looks like we're already getting to the bottom of what it's set to do. Last year, Google gave us a pair of new AI tools for Photos: Photo to video, and photo remix. And now as we look across some of the new text strings present in version 7.80.0.929302933 of Google Photos for Android, it suddenly becomes clear what Soba is going to be: remix for videos. We're still too early to get a look at any of this in action, or even preview much of the UI under development for this tool, but we can finally check out the button with its "Video remix" label: Even without any functional preview, there's still a good amount we can learn about what to expect based on all this text alone. It looks like the tool will offer "cinematic relighting, immersive background swaps, and beautiful stylization for your video." Just like remix for photos, the processing will happen in the cloud, so you'll have to have your clips backed up with Google in order to take advantage. We can also see that there will be usage limits on how many videos you're able to generate, with higher limits for paid Google AI accounts. Some of the tips mentioned in here offer a little insight into other limitations, like a minimum video clip length and the suggestion to avoid starting with excessively shaky video. Scenes that are very crowded may not work great, with Google recommending focusing on just a couple subjects. We're also not yet clear exactly what video generation model Google may lean on for video remixes -- Veo's a possibility, but the new Gemini Omni also sounds like a perfect fit. However it ends up working, we're already very excited about getting the chance to actually see what this can do in action. With any luck, we just might be able to bring you a look at that in the near future.

Google Photos could be working on new ways to transform your videos

Timi is the news and deals reporter for Android Police, who has been reporting on technology since 2008. He has worked in tech retail and also the IT space, providing hardware and software support, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech that he covers. This allows him to effectively break down complex subjects into easy-to-read pieces that even casual readers can enjoy. Before joining Android Police, he was a news writer for XDA, where he eventually transitioned to covering deals. He also worked as an editor and reporter for Neowin, where he covered news and attended major tech events like CES. He also reviewed phones, tablets, PC products, and other devices. In addition, he also created video content for the Neowin YouTube channel. At the tail end of last year, Google started rolling out its powerful Remix feature to more people. If you're not familiar, Remix can transform your photos using AI, creating stylized looks that utilize anime, manga, and sketch themes. If you want to take things even further, there's even the option to utilize a look that transforms your photos into a 3D animation. This could be a fun feature Naturally, Google is always working on improving or enhancing its apps, and it looks like the brand could have some plans in the works to expand the Remix feature to videos. Android Authority has found some evidence of this by deep diving into the code for the Google Photos app on Android. The evidence was found in the code of app version 7.80.0.929302933, but the feature looks to have been in development for a lot longer, with traces of it being found in previous code that was dissected earlier in the month. While there isn't access to any of the tools or features at this moment, the team at Android Authority was able to confirm that a "Video remix" button does exist. You can see how this button looks in the image above, along with categories separating sections for photos and videos, with a "Remix your video" and "Remix your photos" section. Despite not having access to any of the features, the publication was able to pull out some things that could be included: "cinematic relighting, immersive background swaps, and beautiful stylization for your video." For the most part, this would be an exciting addition to the app that already offers so many great features. It would also feel extremely natural considering that we've already had time to spend several months with Remix with photos. Most recently, we saw Google add its new Wardrobe feature to the app, allowing users to virtually dress themselves with clothing they've taken photos of. While I personally love all the features in the app, some might not agree, feeling its a bit much. If you've been thinking about moving away from the service, there are some very good ways to make that happen. First, you'll want to find a Google Photos alternative that you like, then you'll want to migrate your photos and videos from Photos to that new service. Regardless of what you do, find a good home for your photos and videos. Those are all precious moments you just don't want to lose.