Google unveiled another AI content-generation tool on Tuesday at its Google I/O developer conference. Are we really surprised?
Gemini Omni was announced at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, alongside a slew of agentic AI features, such as Gemini Spark and Universal Cart (check out more on our live blog). Gemini Omni is Google's new AI content-generation tool that creates graphics and videos based on your prompts.
I hate to burst Google's bubble, but we already have enough AI-content generation tools, including Google's own Nano Banana 2, an AI image generator. OpenAI, Shutterstock and Canva also have AI video generation capabilities.
Gemini Omni Flash is now available, so you can create and edit videos in the Gemini app, Google Flow and YouTube Shorts. Output modalities, like images and audio, will be available later. Google gave an example at Google I/O of creating a claymation-style video about how protein is created.
Maybe Gemini Omni will be a cool way to teach my 5-year-old about science, but we all know this is just another tool for more AI slop.
US adults want tighter AI restrictions
CNET found that many of us are already tired of the futuristic content on our social media timelines. Earlier this year, CNET found that 51% of US adults believe we need better AI labels online, and 21% believe there should be a total ban on AI-generated content on social media. Only 11% say AI content is useful, informative or entertaining.
Despite over half of US adults wanting tighter AI content restrictions, AI is still getting past us. Most (94%) of US adults believe they see AI-generated or -altered content on social media. However, only 44% say they can confidently tell real content from AI-generated photos and videos.
Google appeared to reveal a solution to that problem at Google I/O.
Google is adding Content Credentials verification across its Gemini app to show whether the content was created with AI or a camera. It will also detect whether it's been edited with AI. The SynthID detector is still available on the app to verify AI-generated content.
It sounds like Google is trying to please everyone while still pushing its agenda of shoving AI into every tool and software update possible.
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Google wants to play on both sides of AI
Between Nano Banana Pro and Gemini Omni, that feels like a paradox. The same tech giant that provides the tools to create AI-generated content is also developing tools to verify it.
Gemini Omni is one of many examples of how Google's developer showcase is out of touch with everyday consumers. There's still hesitancy and mistrust toward AI, despite how helpful it can be in some use cases.
We don't need another AI content generation tool. We need to understand how companies are protecting our data, not by hosting demo planning parties or by using smart glasses to turn crowds into cartoons.
