Before, if you had inquired about Google’s video editor app, I would have mentioned “YouTube Studio.”
However, Google Workspace has recently introduced a new productivity app called “Google Vids.” Typically, video editing is seen as a secondary feature in most productivity suites. However, Google seems to view Vids as a significant component of Workspace.
They describe Vids as a “all-in-one video creation app for work” that will be on par with Docs, Sheets, and Slides. So, is this an editor that can handle documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and videos?
Google’s demonstration of the new video editor highlights its versatility beyond YouTube videos or films. It positions the product as a powerful tool for creating engaging corporate presentations, such as training materials or product demos.
Indeed, this “video editor” seems to have a striking resemblance to Google Slides. The interface is remarkably similar, with the only notable difference being the presence of a video timeline instead of a slideshow timeline.
Google’s example video demonstrates a “sales training video” that begins with a Slides presentation as the fundamental framework. At the beginning, you have an outline editor that allows you to organize each page of the slideshow into its own distinct section. Google offers a variety of video “styles” to choose from. These styles have a Powerpoint-like feel, with a prominent title, subheading, and a designated space for the video content.
Google then requires you to compose a script and either deliver it personally or utilize a text-to-speech voice to present the script. A “stock media” library allows you to enhance your video content by incorporating generic corporate imagery such as a video of a sunset, selecting background music, and utilizing a few pictures.
You can also use your webcam to record something, similar to a pre-recorded Zoom meeting. Following that, you’ll find the typical features of Google productivity apps: the ability to collaborate on real-time editing with visible mouse cursors from each participant, along with a stream of comments.
Similar to other Google products in the era of OpenAI, Google presents Vids as a video editor that harnesses the power of AI. However, during the presentation, there weren’t many notable generative AI features showcased. The videos, images, and music were pre-existing media, not AI-generated creations (Slides can generate images, but that feature wasn’t demonstrated here).
This doesn’t have anything similar to OpenAI’s “Sora,” which has the ability to generate new videos based on its training data. There might be a feature called “help me write” powered by Gemini for the script, and according to Google, the initial outline is described as being “generated” from your starting Slides presentation, but it appears to be the extent of it.
According to Google, Vids will be available for testing in June through “Workspace Labs,” allowing users to opt in and try it out.
