Google AI Updates: April 2, 2026

1. Google Launches Veo 3.1 Lite, Its Most Cost-Effective Video Generation Model

Google released Veo 3.1 Lite through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, a video generation model priced at less than half the cost of Veo 3.1 Fast while maintaining equivalent speed. The model supports text-to-video and image-to-video generation in 16:9 and 9:16 formats at 720p ($0.05/second) and 1080p ($0.08/second) resolutions with configurable 4-8 second durations. The launch arrives days after OpenAI shut down the standalone Sora app, positioning Google as the primary API-accessible video generation provider for developers building high-volume applications. Google also announced price reductions for Veo 3.1 Fast taking effect April 7. Source