Google Vids is rolling out significant updates, transforming the AI-assisted presentation tool into a comprehensive video creation platform. The most notable addition allows users to generate a personalised digital avatar that both looks and sounds like them. This feature, announced on Thursday, requires users to upload a selfie and a voice recording, which are then used to create a custom digital likeness.
Driving these advancements is Google's multi-modal AI model, Gemini Omni. This powerful AI enables users to create videos by combining written prompts with uploaded reference images. Gemini Omni can seamlessly blend these inputs to produce desired AI videos, and it also offers robust editing functionalities. Users can now easily swap out backgrounds, correct lighting in phone-recorded footage, or add various visual effects directly within the platform.
A key enhancement for creators is the introduction of step-by-step editing. This allows users to make iterative changes to their videos without needing to restart the entire creation process, offering greater flexibility and efficiency. While Google Vids is integrated into Google Workspace, signalling its intended use for business applications such as internal communications or training modules, these new personalised avatars and conversational editing tools position it to compete with dedicated AI video startups like HeyGen and Synthesia.
Google has implemented safeguards for the new AI avatar feature. Each personal avatar will be securely linked to the account holder's Google account and invisibly watermarked using SynthID. This measure aims to ensure authenticity and prevent misuse, such as creating unauthorised deepfakes. Furthermore, access to these personal avatars is limited to users aged 18 or older and is restricted to certain geographical regions, though specific details on UK availability are yet to be fully clarified.
These updates mark a significant shift for Google Vids, moving it beyond its initial scope as a workplace presentation aid. The integration of advanced AI capabilities for personal video creation underscores Google's commitment to democratising sophisticated video production, potentially making high-quality, personalised video content accessible to a broader audience.