Google Photos is preparing a new full-fledged video editor

After analysing the APK file of the Google Photos application version 7.39, a significant redesign of the video editor was discovered. The build was codenamed "varenyky".

Here's What's New About It

The interface has been updated in the Material 3 Expressive style: the timeline design has been changed, the play icon has been updated instead of the circular slider, the sliders in the "pill" frame are more visible, and the icons are in the form of rectangles with a rounded edge. The Save and Undo buttons have been redesigned as icons instead of text buttons. Export frame is highlighted as an important function. The code provides options for effects and noise removal, although the UI does not show them yet - they will probably appear in the final version.

New functionality

The Mirror feature allows you to horizontally mirror a video - handy if you shot with the front-facing camera or if the video looks upside down. Music editor: you can add a track to your video. Users can choose from the Google library (genres: Bright, Chill, Dramatic, Inspiring) or their own tracks. Track settings are available: processing, volume control, separate control of video and music sound.

Other AI features in Google Photos

Photo-to-Video (generating short video clips from photos) powered by Veo 2 AI: users can choose "Subtle movements" or "I'm feeling lucky" to create 6-second animations from static images.

Remix: transforms photos into anime, comic, sketch, or 3D styles, with a digital SynthID watermark to indicate AI generation.

In August, we'll be adding a Create tab to combine these functions: Photo-to-Video, Remix, collages, video highlights, and other tools in one UI section. Currently available only in the United States, with more countries to follow.

Help me edit is a new AI photo editing mode. Users will be able to enter text instructions (for example, "change the car colour") to make precise changes. It is pre-available in the Google Photos v7.38 code and is connected to Gemini AI models. Google may introduce this feature along with Pixel 10 at an event on 20 August 2025 (Android Authority).

Bottom line.

Google Photos doesn't often receive major updates. The recent change in Material 3 Expressive design guidelines and the omnipresent AI are reaching the most conservative apps. But users will benefit from this. The Google Photos video editor is becoming more modern and versatile. Users get intuitive editing tools, music, effects, and video processing capabilities right in the app. Built-in capabilities for generating short videos from photos and stylised remixes make the app a more creative tool than just a gallery. The "Help me edit" text editor can dramatically change the photo editing process, giving users more control and personalised results.