Google Photos has recently introduced several AI-powered features aimed at enhancing user experience and improving photo organization. Here’s an overview of the latest updates:
AI-Powered Features in Google Photos
1. Photo Stacks
Google Photos now automatically groups similar photos taken in close succession into “Photo Stacks.” The app selects the best image from each stack as a “top pick,” helping to declutter your gallery. Users can switch to other photos or turn off Photo Stacks altogether.
2. Enhanced Screenshot and Document Organization
Screenshots and documents are now automatically organized into albums like IDs, receipts, and event information. Additionally, users can set reminders directly from screenshots, such as concert tickets, by clicking the “Set Reminder” option.
3. Magic Editor
The Magic Editor, powered by generative AI, allows users to make complex edits to their photos, such as repositioning subjects or changing backgrounds. This feature is available to all Pixel devices and offers 10 Magic Editor saves per month for non-Pixel users.
4. AI Editing Transparency
Google Photos now indicates when a photo has been edited using AI-powered tools like Magic Editor and Magic Eraser. This information is displayed alongside details like file name, location, and backup status in the Photos app.
5. SynthID Watermark for AI-Edited Images
Images edited with AI tools like Reimagine now include an invisible watermark using Google’s SynthID technology. This watermark can be detected through the “About this image” section, providing transparency about AI-generated content.
Temporary Pause on “Ask Photos” Feature
Google has temporarily paused the rollout of its AI-powered “Ask Photos” search feature due to issues with latency, quality, and overall user experience. The feature, based on specialized versions of Google’s Gemini AI models, was designed to answer natural language queries about users’ photos. A revised version is expected in about two weeks, aiming to restore search speed and relevance.
