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.

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.

https://x.com/AssembleDebug/status/1942941681503846437

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.

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.

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.

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