ChatGPT recently amazed users with its advanced image generation capabilities, joining other AI models that can produce stunning visuals from simple text prompts. Similarly, Google's Gemini can generate images on command and even perform powerful edits. Separately, companies like OpenAI and Google have developed AI models that can create striking videos from text. Some even allow images as part of the prompt, enabling the creation of AI-generated movies with specific scenes or characters. We've also seen AI tools that animate a single photo, some can even sync voice (whether real or AI-generated) to the animation. These models aren't widely available yet.
If you're up to date on these AI advancements, you won't be surprised to hear that Gemini will soon allow users to generate 5-second videos from just one photo. However, this feature may first require access to a new device.
Surprisingly, it's not coming to Galaxy or Pixel devices first. Instead, Honor has partnered with Google to introduce this feature on its upcoming Honor 400 series, launching May 22. The AI Image to Video function is powered by Google Cloud's Gemini technology, specifically using the Veo 2 model. Honor will be the first to integrate it.
The tool is built directly into the Honor 400’s Gallery app and works seamlessly—no need to type a prompt. Just select a photo, and the AI does the rest.
Because the AI generates content randomly, the risk of misuse—like creating fake or misleading videos—is reduced.
For the first two months, Honor 400 buyers can use the feature free, with a limit of 10 video generations per day. After that, a Google subscription may be required, though details are still unclear. It's likely tied to Gemini Advanced, Google's entry-level premium plan. Currently, Veo 2 supports text-to-video generation for subscribers, while image-to-video features are restricted to approved users at a cost of $0.50 per second.
Much like how Circle to Search debuted on select phones before reaching broader Android devices, we can expect the image-to-video tool to expand in the same way after its Honor launch.
With Google I/O 2025 around the corner, we’ll likely hear more about these features soon. When fully rolled out, Gemini’s image-to-video tool may allow both image and text inputs, offering more control over the output. Expect safeguards too, such as permanent watermarks, although early samples shown by Honor did not include them.
