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Google+ can automatically 'enhance' your mobile video recordings
Google's no stranger to tweaking your photos automagically, and now it's extending that expertise to video. By using Google+ and its auto-backup system for your media, Mountain View says it can adjust the lighting, color, stability and, soon enough, speech in any video you shoot. Just be sure to have Auto Enhance activated on your device and, well, that's the only thing you have to worry about actually. It's a bit different than what the search giant did with Auto Awesome videos, actually, and if you want to see an admittedly low quality sample, pop beyond the break.
Chromecast's custom backgrounds are finally here
Google initially promised a summer release for Backdrops at I/O, but once we passed the autumn solstice it was anyone's guess when the Chromecast feature would arrive. But hey, it's rolling out now and that's what matters, right? To use your own G+ photos, those from the Google Cultural Institute, New York Times and more as new idle screens for the HDMI dongle it sounds pretty simple. Jump into the Chromecast app on your mobile device and futz around with the Backdrop settings to choose which sources you'd like for the photos. Boom; that's apparently it, according to the outfit. If something pops onscreen that you're interested in (maybe a satellite image of an island you'd never seen before) and you want more info, just ask "Okay Google, what's on my Chromecast?" into the Google app on your device. Pretty handy if you ask us. Just think: now you can use the biggest screen in the house to get people to finally check out your collection of Auto Awesome shots.
Google+ is automatically creating your own year in review video
If you're anything like us, the thought of sifting through mountains of media to create a year in review video is more than a little intimidating. However, it just got a lot easier for some Google+ members. The social network is now using Auto Awesome to create year in review clips for anyone who has been uploading enough photos and videos throughout 2013; if you're one of the lucky ones, the clip should be available in about a week. It won't be quite the same as a lovingly crafted highlight reel, but it could prevent a few headaches during the holidays.
Google+ updates Auto Awesome with video highlight reels and action shots
It was only at this year's I/O that Google introduced a new feature it calls Auto Awesome, which lets you edit your photos in Google+ and even create your own GIFs. The company's not done enhancing this ability, however, as Vic Gundotra has announced that video capability is coming to the tool as well. Called Auto Awesome Movies, you'll now be able to set up an HTC-like video highlight reel. Now, you can add multiple video clips, throw in some music (with your choice of different styles) and have Google+ sync your footage to go well with the background tune. You can select the duration of the movie, and Google will recalibrate which video clips and music should be used to fit your particular needs. However, it's not just video getting the update treatment -- you'll now be able to create action shots and erase other people out of your pictures. That said, we've seen all of these features implemented in specific OEM interfaces -- Movies is quite similar to HTC's Video Highlights, Action looks a lot like Samsung's Drama Mode and Erase is, well, akin to Samsung's Eraser mode -- but Google's option will eventually be available on a wider variety of devices. We're told the functionality will be limited in compatibility to Android 4.3 or higher, so it may be a while before there are a significant number of devices able to take advantage of them. For those who are lucky enough to have the right firmware, Action and Eraser should begin rolling out today, while Movies will be a part of the next major Google+ update that's destined for devices in the next few days. We spent a few minutes getting some hands-on time with the new features, so check out our video below the break.
Google to unveil Auto Awesome feature that creates stories from your videos
Putting aside the small matter of launching a new Nexus smartphone and Android OS, Google also plans to unveil new Google+ features and improvements. Sources aware of Google's plans tell us that today's media-focused event will include the introduction of Auto Awesome for videos, an expansion of its impressive photo improvement service, which allows users to record video and have Google+ integrate transitions, music and effects with little or no input. We're told that the new video feature is similar to HTC's Video Highlights in that it uses smart editing, cutting and sequencing techniques to splice a professional-like highlight reel using different types of media. While we don't know exactly how these new features operate, Google SVP Vic Gundotra teased today's announcement with the tagline "#momentsthatmatter," suggesting we won't have long to wait to see the new Auto Awesome feature in the flesh.
