Chinese smartphone maker Honor has unveiled an image-to-video AI generator powered by Google, ahead of its release to Gemini users. This feature will initially be available exclusively to those purchasing the Honor 400 or 400 Pro models, which are set to launch on May 22nd. The AI tool utilizes Google’s Veo 2 model to produce five-second videos derived from static images, supporting both portrait and landscape formats. Each video takes one to two minutes to generate. Integrated directly within the Gallery app of the new Honor phones, the tool is designed for straightforward use: it does not allow users to add text prompts alongside images, so results rely solely on the AI’s interpretation. Occasionally, the results are impressive. When given simple subjects, such as a clear photo of a person or pet, it can create remarkably realistic motion—though I suspect my cat Noodle’s tongue is a bit exaggerated.

More complex images prove challenging; for instance, it made a vintage car rotate unnaturally on the spot, portrayed fresh tomatoes being touched by an eerie hand, and imagined an overcrowded women's soccer match featuring at least 27 players from three teams plus two referees managing the mayhem. On my first attempt with a self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh, the AI amusingly chose to depict a pigeon flying out of his eye. Note: Honor’s app produces videos in MP4 format, which have been converted to GIFs here, slightly reducing clip quality. Honor 400 users will have free access to this image-to-video feature for the first two months, with a daily cap of 10 video creations. Chris Langley, Honor’s UK marketing director, mentioned that the service “will eventually require some subscription” through Google, though specifics remain unclear. While Google’s paid Gemini Advanced subscription already supports video generation using Veo 2, it currently accepts only text inputs. Image-to-video generation is among Veo 2’s capabilities on Google Cloud, where it costs 50 cents per second of output and is restricted to “approved users. ” Photography and videos by Dominic Preston / The Verge.