Google's first-ever AI ad is part impressive, part scary

"Whether you like it or not, generative AI is everywhere today. The progress in this field has been exponential, especially over the last couple of years, spurred on by high-quality video generation tools like OpenAI's Sora and Gemini's Veo 3. Now, in a move that won't surprise many, Google has published its first-ever ad, fully created using AI. Google's new ad leverages the Veo 3 advanced video generation mode, per The Wall Street Journal. The ad began appearing on TV and movie theaters yesterday, and it will appear on social and other digital platforms starting today."

"The ad titled " Planning a Quick Getaway? Just Ask Google," features Tom, a plush toy-like turkey who wants to escape his farm ahead of Thanksgiving later this month for obvious reasons. We then see Tom opening the Google app on what we assume is a Pixel phone to enable AI Mode and chart his escape from the coop. Without spoiling the ending, let's just say Tom achieved what he set out to do."

"Speaking to WSJ, the VP and co-founder of Google Creative Lab, Robert Wong, said the team came up with the idea to strike a nostalgic note with audiences, and then brought it to fruition using Veo 3's capabilities. Wong understands why some people may not be fully on board with the idea of using generative AI everywhere. "I have the same concerns about the, you know, what we call the race to the bottom, the AI slop stuff," Wong told WSJ. "The one thing I would say is, there were bad ads before AI and there'll be bad ads after AI, and the only people who can stop it are the people behind the ads"

Generative AI tools have advanced rapidly, driven by high-quality video generation like OpenAI's Sora and Gemini's Veo 3. Google released its first-ever advertisement fully created with AI, leveraging Veo 3's advanced video generation mode. The ad began running in TV and movie theaters and will appear on social and digital platforms. The ad, titled "Planning a Quick Getaway? Just Ask Google," features Tom, a plush toy turkey who uses AI Mode on a Pixel-like phone to plan an escape before Thanksgiving. Google avoided the uncanny valley by using a non-human character. A Christmas ad is planned. Google Creative Lab leadership acknowledged concerns about low-quality AI content and emphasized creator responsibility.

Read at Android Police