Google's AI video generation tool "Flow" evolves! The AI camera "Veo 3.1" that even produces sound is redefining the boundaries of "direction, editing, and sound."

On October 15 (local time), Google announced the latest version of its video generation model, "Veo 3.1," and a major update to the AI filmmaking tool "Flow," which incorporates this model. Flow now allows for editing that delves into "post-processes" such as adjusting lights and shadows, and native audio is generated across multiple functions. This marks an evolution from the traditional use of connecting short generated clips to a "video production experience" that involves back-and-forth between directing and editing. The Verge

What's new: The relationship between Flow's editing features and Veo 3.1

According to a report by The Verge, Flow allows for the addition and adjustment of "light and shadow" to AI-generated videos, aiming for more natural composites. While the final product becomes so natural that it's hard to tell it's AI-generated, the high level of realism also prompts considerations about its impact on the information environment. Additionally, existing features like "Ingredients to Video" (composing scenes from multiple reference images), "Frames to Video" (generating intermediates from start/end frames), and "Scene Extension/Extend" (extending scenes from the last second to up to about a minute) have been enhanced with cross-functional generated audio. The Verge

Veo 3.1 itself has improved the quality of image-to-video conversion and prompt adherence, with enhanced expressions of "texture," "texture," and "physicality," according to Google. Within Flow, objects can be naturally inserted with "Insert," and shadows and lighting automatically blend in. Conversely, a feature to remove unnecessary elements with "Remove" is said to be "coming soon." blog.google

Where can it be used? How long can it be?

Google officially announces that Veo 3.1 will be integrated into Flow and also available through the Gemini API (for developers), Vertex AI (for enterprises), and the Gemini app. The Verge reports that Veo 3.1 is available as a "paid preview" of the Gemini API, at the same price range as Veo 3. External reports mention that while the basic clip generation is 4, 6, or 8 seconds from text/images, Flow's scene extension feature can effectively expand it to longer lengths (some reports mention up to about 148 seconds, but actual measurements may vary depending on UI and API constraints).

"Sound" takes center stage: The significance of native audio generation

Audio generation, which began with the Veo 3 generation, has increased richness in context adaptation (dialogue, ambient sound, sound effects) in 3.1. For purposes like marketing materials and training videos, where there is a desire to create video and audio in one stop, the traditional "sound adjustment in a separate DAW" may be reduced. Reports emphasizing the effects in practical contexts have been released, and there are many voices expecting simplification of the production pipeline. Venturebeat

Creators' first impressions: The atmosphere on social media

Immediately after the announcement, Google's Demis Hassabis promoted Veo 3.1 as offering "richer sound and realism" on social media. The official Google Flow account also listed "enhanced audio" and "improved editing precision." Tech accounts reported "Veo 3.1 Fast / Quality is here" and "Available as a paid preview of the Gemini API." These focus mainly on functional evaluations, with strong hype. X (formerly Twitter)

On the other hand, Reddit is actively sharing hands-on evaluations. While there are positive comments like "Scene Extension can create minute-long shots" and "Ingredients to Video, which synthesizes from images, is interesting," there are also critical remarks such as "the representation of wheel rotation is unnatural" and "the output is not worth the credit consumption for Fast and Quality." Compared to competitors like Sora 2, some say "Veo excels in human acting and voice," while others point out "it still feels like a still image," resulting in mixed reviews. The community is observing the typical "fluctuations" of an initial rollout. Reddit

Threads have also been created, with comments evaluating the model's temporal consistency and audio integration. There is also quick movement in the surrounding ecosystem, such as entrepreneurs showcasing "products with unique layers built on Veo 3.1." news.ycombinator.com

Practical benefits: Designing a minimum workflow

While generation quality has steadily improved, the true value lies in "workflow shortening."

• Pre-production: ① Rough storyboard → ② Material images (characters, props, locations) → ③ Decide on the audio strategy (presence/absence of ambient/effect/dialogue).

• Prompt: Bundle materials with "Ingredients to Video" and fix start/end as needed with "Frames to Video."

• Editing: Blend with color, exposure, and shadow sliders, tidy up the screen with "Insert/Remove," and connect shots with "Extend." The charm of 3.1 is the ability to quickly iterate through "direction → sound adjustment → re-direction."
  blog.google

Risks and precautions: What the increase in realism implies

The Verge points out that the enhancement of Flow makes it easier to create videos that are "hard to discern as AI-generated." To prevent the spread of misinformation in anonymous spaces, it is important for teams to establish credit and derivation history disclosure, watermarking, and output management like C2PA. The improvement in generation capabilities simultaneously demands an update in production ethics. The Verge

Market impact: Dynamics with competitors

TechCrunch and 9to5Google view Veo 3.1 paired with Flow's editing enhancements, evaluating improvements in prompt adherence and image-to-video quality. Engadget also reported "progress in video generation from images." While comparisons with Sora 2, Runway Gen-3, Pika, and others are mixed, Google's "comprehensive production environment (Flow+Gemini+Vertex AI)" certainly lowers the barriers to division of labor. In corporate use, there is potential for cross-utilization in training, promotion, and in-game direction, leveraging the "seamless integration including audio" as a strength. TechCrunch　9to5Google

Conclusion: The era of Veo 3.1's "Direction × Editing × Sound"

The combination of Veo 3.1 and Flow presents a new norm in AI video production, where **direction (generation),editing (refinement), andsound (the core of the story)** are cycled in the same space. While the hype is strong and field evaluations are still fluctuating, the ability to delve into "material design → contextual sound → localized editing" from a single prompt brings back the creators' "sense of touch." The next challenge lies in how much ethics, credits, and copyright handling can be managed operationally. The Verge