Google's new iOS app helps turn Live Photos into GIFs

Google has announced the release of its new iOS app called Motion Stills. The app acts as a virtual camera operator for an iOS user’s Apple Live Photos. It also allows users to combine multiple video clips to make a movie montage. “We use our video stabilisation technology to freeze the background into a still photo or create sweeping cinematic pans. The resulting looping GIFs and movies come alive, and can easily be shared via messaging or on social media.” writes Google in its blogpost. Google has also worked extensively to ensure all videos and GIFs created with the app are stable. Talking about how the algorithm works, the blogpost explains “Our algorithm uses linear programming to compute a virtual camera path that is optimized to recast videos and bursts as if they were filmed using stabilization equipment yielding a still background or creating cinematic pans to remove shakiness” [caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“480”] The effect it provides is the same as using a steadicam or a tripod[/caption] For users who frequently shoot videos, the new algorithm can prove to be quite helpful. In addition to keeping your shots steady, the app’s algorithm works to identify moving objects in the foreground and keep them separated from the movement in the background. The end result: the background appears stable while the moving subjects remain in motion. It will also help you select an optimal loop point in order to edit your videos so you can choose where they begin and where they end. [caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“432”] This is how the app identifies movement while keeping the background steady[/caption] The app works without using mobile data, so once you’ve granted the permissions, you’re good to go. Motion Stills is now available on the App store and can be downloaded for free. You can download the app here.