Google Photos Rolls Out AI Tools to Animate Images and Add Artistic Effects.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Photos now lets users turn still images into short animated videos using AI-powered motion effects.
• The new Remix feature transforms photos into artistic styles like anime, sketch, and 3D, offering more creative freedom.

Google Photos is taking another step forward in creative photo editing by launching two innovative features: photo-to-video conversion and Remix. These tools are powered by Google's Veo 2 generative AI model and are being rolled out gradually for users in the United States on both Android and iOS devices. With this update, Google aims to give users more ways to creatively reimagine their memories using intuitive and powerful technology.

Bring Photos to Life with the Photo-to-Video Tool.

The new photo-to-video feature allows users to turn still images into short, animated video clips. You can choose between two effects, called “Subtle movements” and “I’m feeling lucky.” These effects gently animate parts of the photo, such as moving water, shifting clouds, or fluttering leaves. The final video clip lasts about six seconds, and the rendering may take up to one minute. 

Users are given several variations to preview, so they can choose the one that suits their vision best. This feature is completely free and does not require access to Gemini or any paid plan.

Transform Images with the Artistic Remix Feature.

In addition to video animations, Google Photos is launching the Remix tool, which lets users apply artistic filters to their photos. These include styles like anime, sketch, comic, 3D animation, and more. The Remix feature is designed to be fun, expressive, and highly customizable. It will begin rolling out to users in the United States over the next few weeks, and it is intended to be simple enough for anyone to use, regardless of experience with photo editing.

To make these new tools easier to access, Google Photos will soon introduce a new Create tab. This tab will be located in the bottom navigation bar of the app and will organize creative tools such as photo-to-video, Remix, collages, and highlight reels in one convenient place. The Create tab is expected to be available starting in August.

Google Watermark on AI-Generated Content.

Google has stated that all content generated through these AI features will include a SynthID digital watermark. This watermark is invisible to the eye but helps verify that the media was created using AI. In addition to this, video clips created through the photo-to-video tool will display a visible watermark in one corner of the screen. Google is encouraging users to rate AI-generated content with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to provide feedback and help improve the tools over time.

The photo-to-video animation feature became available to U.S. users on July 23, 2025. The Remix feature will become available in the coming weeks. The new Create tab is scheduled to roll out sometime in August. These features will be added automatically, but they may appear at different times for different users depending on regional availability and server updates.

How the Android Earthquake Alerts System Works?

The Android Earthquake Alerts System (AEAS) is a groundbreaking, planet-scale early warning network developed by Google to detect and alert users of earthquakes in real-time using the very phones in their pockets. Officially launched in August 2020, the system was introduced first in California, before expanding rapidly to other regions, including the United States, Greece, New Zealand, and eventually to over 98 countries worldwide.

This innovative system transforms millions of Android smartphones into miniature seismic detectors by harnessing their built-in accelerometers. These sensors are capable of picking up early signs of seismic activity, such as the faint P-waves that arrive before the more damaging S-waves during an earthquake. When multiple phones in a geographic area detect shaking simultaneously, they transmit anonymized data to Google’s servers. Google's algorithms then confirm if an earthquake is occurring and, if so, generate and distribute alerts often seconds before shaking reaches the user.

In regions like the U.S. West Coast, AEAS also integrates with ShakeAlert®, a professionally managed network of over 1,600 ground-based seismometers operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). By combining traditional seismic data with crowdsourced smartphone input, the system enhances accuracy, expands coverage, and reduces dependence on costly infrastructure, especially in earthquake-prone regions with limited resources.

Why Early Earthquake Warning Is Important

Early earthquake warnings can make the difference between life and death. Even a few seconds’ notice before the ground starts shaking gives people time to take protective actions, like "drop, cover, and hold on" or evacuate from dangerous structures. It can also trigger automatic safety measures, such as slowing down trains, shutting off gas lines, and pausing surgeries or heavy machinery.

In high-risk areas, early alerts help reduce injuries, protect critical infrastructure, and improve emergency response. For example, schools can quickly move students to safe zones, and hospitals can brace for patient surges. Studies show that timely warnings can cut injuries by up to 50% during major earthquakes.

Data Sources: Seismic Networks and Crowdsourced Accelerometers

The Android Earthquake Alerts System relies on two main sources of data to detect earthquakes quickly and accurately:

Seismic Networks

In regions like California, Oregon, and Washington, AEAS integrates with professional ground-based seismic systems such as ShakeAlert®, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and partner universities. These networks consist of thousands of sensitive seismometers strategically placed to detect and measure ground motion. When an earthquake occurs, these sensors rapidly calculate its location, magnitude, and expected shaking, triggering alerts through the Android system within seconds.

Crowdsourced Accelerometers from Android Devices

Outside areas with formal networks, AEAS taps into the power of millions of Android phones worldwide. Each phone contains a tiny accelerometer, normally used for screen rotation or step counting, that can also sense ground movement. When several phones in the same region detect a sudden shake simultaneously, they send anonymized, coarse location data to Google’s servers. If the pattern matches that of an earthquake, the system confirms the event and sends alerts to nearby users.

Google has created a global earthquake detection system that is fast, scalable, and cost-effective via combining official seismic equipment and everyday smartphones, which works in well-equipped and underserved regions.

The ShakeAlert® Partnership

In the United States, the Android Earthquake Alerts System works hand-in-hand with ShakeAlert®, the country’s official earthquake early warning system. Operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in partnership with several West Coast universities and state agencies, ShakeAlert® is built on a robust network of over 1,675 high-precision ground-based sensors.

These sensors are distributed across California, Oregon, and Washington regions with high seismic risk. When an earthquake begins, ShakeAlert® sensors detect the fast-moving P-waves and instantly estimate the earthquake’s location, magnitude, and intensity. If the system predicts significant shaking, it triggers alerts that are relayed to Android devices through Google’s network.

This partnership ensures that users in the western U.S. receive official, science-based warnings within seconds. It also enhances the speed and accuracy of alerts in areas with dense seismic infrastructure.

Crowdsourced Detection via Android Phones

Globally, Android devices detect ground vibrations using built-in accelerometers. When several phones in an area detect P-waves, they send anonymized data (vibration + coarse location) to Google's servers. The system aggregates these signals to confirm an event and estimate its epicenter and magnitude.

This decentralized network forms the world’s largest earthquake detection grid, especially valuable in regions without dedicated seismic infrastructure.

Earthquakes generate two key wave types:

• P‑waves: Fast-arriving, less intense—detected first.
• S‑waves: Slower but more destructive.

AEAS detects P‑waves and issues alerts before S‑waves arrive, enabling early action.

Alert Generation.

AEAS classifies alerts in two tiers:

• Be Aware: Signals light shaking; non-intrusive notifications guide readiness.
• Take Action: Signals moderate to strong shaking; these alerts override the phone screen with a loud alarm and safety instructions.

Alerts only trigger for quakes with magnitudes ≥ 4.5.

Alerts leverage the near-instant transmission of data compared to slower seismic wave propagation. Alerts travel at internet speed, giving users crucial advance seconds before shaking begins.

AEAS uses anonymized, coarse location data sent only when significant vibrations are detected. No identifiable personal info is shared. Users can disable alerts via settings.

Quick FAQ.

Q: How much warning time do I get?

Answer: Typically, a few seconds to over a minute, depending on distance from the epicenter.

Q: Does it collect my address or identifiable info?

Answer: No. Only anonymized accelerometer data and coarse locations are used.

Q: Can I disable alerts?

Answer: Yes – simply toggle off “Earthquake Alerts” in your Android settings.

Q: Why don’t I get alerts in some areas?

Answer: You might be too close to the epicenter (blind zone), or there may be insufficient sensor coverage.

Q: How is it different from apps like MyShake?

Answer: AEAS is built into Android globally, doesn’t require installation, and combines crowdsourced phone data with seismic networks.

Q: Are false alarms an issue?

Answer: Rare but possible; Google continuously fine-tunes algorithms to minimize them.

Google Store Lists Pixel 10 Ahead of August 20 Launch.

Google has begun teasing the upcoming Pixel 10 on its official Google Store, signaling that the device’s release is just around the corner. A promotional page now displays a "Coming August 20" message, inviting users to sign up for release notifications and access to exclusive launch offers. This listing confirms the highly anticipated launch date and highlights that the phone will debut alongside the annual Made by Google hardware event.

A Major Upgrade Cycle Begins

This eagerly awaited launch positions itself as a significant upgrade over the Pixel 9 lineage, as earlier reports suggest. Regulatory filings indicate a four-device lineup: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold—all expected to show up at the August event. The Pixel 10’s Google Store teaser is the clearest indication yet that the company is gearing up to follow through on these announcements with actual availability.

Also Read: Google Sets Launch Date for Pixel 10 Series.

Anticipating Specs and Pricing

While the store listing itself lacks detailed specs, it complements an expanding landscape of rumors and leaks. The lineup is rumored to include a powerful Tensor G5 chipset, improved camera options, and potential AI-enhanced features. Additionally, leaked photo listings suggest that pricing may remain consistent with previous models—around $799 for the base device—while premium variants like the Pro XL and Fold may see modest price increases.

This buildup hints at a strategic launch meant to coincide with the holiday shopping surge. The Pixel 10 page’s "sign up for emails" pitch underscores Google’s ambition to generate early traction and pre-orders.