Google Photos recently updated its Cinematic photos feature, and the results are even more stunning than before, but there’s a significant flaw with this technology. The feature can convert a standard picture, which is two-dimensional, into a video that appears to show depth. While the original version was interesting, the latest is much more advanced and produces a mesmerizing effect. The problem is a lack of choice.

Google Photos generates various enhanced versions of pictures that are stored on its cloud service. Google calls these Creations. While Google summarizes the types as animations, Cinematic photos, collages, color pops, and stylized photos, there’s quite a variety in the results. For example, Google makes no mention of panoramas. Yet some of the best are created by Google Photos using a series of landscape photos that are stitched together better than if the camera app’s built-in panorama mode is used.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Google recently announced an upgrade to its Cinematic photos feature, which was already a fantastic effect. Using machine learning, Google analyzes a photo, extracting depth information even if it wasn’t captured when the photo was taken. The image is mapped onto this extracted three-dimensional model, then a virtual movie camera smoothly pans around, recording an animation along the way. The result is a short video that looks like an expert movie crew shot the scene while the subject remains still, posing for the moment. As impressive as that was, the new version is better, filling in more background details so the camera can move more freely. Whereas the original zoomed in on the subject to hide the background, the new Cinematic photos can swing in a wider arc without the need to zoom for a more dramatic effect. The problem is that this happens automatically, and there is no way to trigger the creation of a Cinematic photo.

The Flaw With Google Photos Creations

This is a free service, and it is very nice of Google to provide these enhanced photo and video effects for users of their cloud storage. Even those in the free tier, storing 15 gigabytes or less, get Google Photos Creations that are automatically generated. The only problem is that the user cannot make the smartphone or web app generate the images on command. Instead, it’s a waiting game, leaving the photographer to wonder if Google will assemble stills into a funny animation or if a panorama might appear in a few days without the need to import and stitch photos together in Photoshop. Also, there is no way to select which photos get the special treatment.

Google does allow the user to create animations, collages, and videos, but the results have none of the magic of Google’s effects. Instead, it’s simply a boring compilation of each photo in a standard sequential way. It’s a rare treat and exciting when Google Creations appear, yet frustrating that the user has no control of the process. For now, the only thing to do is to check Google Photos periodically or enable notifications to be alerted to new creations. Photo and video creations are categorized as memories and appear at the top of the app. These dramatic and fun yet strictly automatic photos and videos can also be found by searching Google Photos for ‘creations.’

Source: Google

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Alan Truly
(1159 Articles Published)

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Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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