Google is pushing forward with AI video creation despite the recent shutdown of OpenAI's Sora. On Thursday, the company announced an update to Google Vids that allows users to create a custom digital avatar based on a selfie and a voice recording they upload. The avatar looks and sounds like the user.
Gemini Omni Comes to Vids
Google also said it is bringing its multi-modal AI model, Gemini Omni, to Vids. This model lets users create videos by combining a written prompt with reference images they upload. Omni mixes those inputs together to produce the desired AI video.
The model can also perform tasks such as swapping out the background or fixing the lighting in a video recorded on a phone. It can add effects as well.
Step-by-Step Edits
Omni now supports step-by-step edits, which means users can make changes to their video as they go instead of starting over from scratch. This feature aims to make the editing process more flexible and efficient.
From Workplace Tool to All-in-One Platform
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The updates push Google Vids beyond its original role as an AI-assisted workplace presentation tool. It is becoming more of an all-in-one video creation platform. By making Vids a part of Google Workspace, the company is signaling its use as a business tool for things like company updates or training videos.
However, personalized avatars and conversational edits could put Vids in closer competition with other AI video startups and tools. These include HeyGen, Synthesia, Captions, D-ID, and others.
Avatar Security and Watermarking
Google notes that the new AI avatars will be tied to the account holder's likeness and linked to their Google account. The avatars will be watermarked invisibly with SynthID. This likely means no one will be using the tool to make bizarre AI videos of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the way that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had let users do with Sora when it was available.
The company also says that access to personal avatars is limited to users in certain regions who are aged 18 or older.