Google DeepMind‘s latest Veo 3 video generation model represents a significant leap in AI-generated video realism, now capable of creating photorealistic footage complete with synchronized audio. The evolution is starkly illustrated by comparing a viral “Will Smith eating spaghetti” video from two years ago with a new version that features dramatically improved visuals plus AI-generated eating sounds—highlighting both the impressive technical progress and potential discomfort these advances might trigger as the technology becomes increasingly indistinguishable from reality.
The big picture: Google’s Veo 3 model marks a transition from silent AI-generated videos to fully audio-enabled synthetic content that approaches photorealism.
- The model, unveiled at Google I/O 2025, creates videos with synchronized sound effects and can generate dialogue based on user descriptions.
- DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis highlighted this capability during the conference, noting “For the first time, we’re emerging from the silent era of video generation.”
Key details: A recently shared clip created by AI content creator Javi Lopez demonstrates Veo 3’s capabilities through an updated version of a once-viral AI oddity.
- The new “Will Smith eating spaghetti” video shows a much more recognizable Smith compared to the “deranged” version from two years ago that struggled to differentiate between the actor and his food.
- The clip includes AI-generated eating sounds described as “squelching and masticating”—audio that tech YouTuber Marques “MKBHD” Brownlee commented made him “not feel so good.”
Access limitations: The advanced video generation tool is currently positioned as a premium offering.
- Veo 3 is available only through Google’s AI Ultra plan, which costs $249.99 per month.
- Google showcased the technology’s capabilities at I/O with a demonstration video depicting zoo animals taking over a Wild West town.
Why this matters: The dramatic improvement in AI-generated video quality raises both technological excitement and societal concerns.
- Videos created with Veo 3 and circulating on social media are described as “strikingly difficult to differentiate from real life.”
- Critics have expressed concerns about potential job displacement for human video editors and the technology’s potential to facilitate disinformation and propaganda.
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