Key Points
- Google adds AI avatars to Vids for Workspace customers.
- Automatic transcript trimming removes filler words and pauses.
- Image‑to‑video tool creates eight‑second clips from a single image.
- Free consumer version offers basic editing, templates, fonts, and stock media.
- Consumer edition does not include the new AI features.
- Future work includes noise cancellation, virtual backgrounds, and new aspect ratios.
- AI features roll out to Business, Enterprise Starter, AI Pro/Ultra, and Education users.
A screenshot of Google Vids video editor showing a feature that lets you remove filler words like “um” and “ah” easily from a video clip.
A screenshot of Google Vids video editor showing an image to video generation feature that uses Google’s Veo 3 model
New AI Features for Workspace Users
Google has upgraded its Vids video editor, which is part of the Google Workspace productivity suite, by introducing AI avatars that let users generate videos from a script by selecting a voice and persona. The rollout follows a beta release that debuted at Google I/O. Alongside avatars, the editor now offers automatic transcript trimming that detects filler words such as “um” or “ah” and long pauses, allowing users to click and remove them while the video adjusts accordingly.
Image‑to‑Video Generation
The update also adds an image‑to‑video capability, enabling users to turn a single image into an eight‑second video clip. This feature builds on a prior launch for Veo 3 and expands the creative options available within Vids.
Free Consumer Version with Limited Tools
In parallel with the Workspace enhancements, Google is releasing a free‑to‑use consumer version of Vids. The consumer edition provides basic editing controls and access to Google’s template library, font collection, and stock media library. However, it does not include the newly added AI avatars, transcript trimming, or image‑to‑video features.
Future Enhancements
Google indicated that it is working on additional capabilities such as noise cancellation, virtual backgrounds similar to those in Google Meet, and support for new sizing formats including portrait, landscape, and square. No specific release dates were given for these upcoming features.
Availability
The AI‑powered features are being made available to Workspace Business or Enterprise Starter customers, Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers, and Workspace for Education users. The consumer version is positioned as a lightweight, free tool for personal video creation.
Source: techcrunch.com