Google has been on a roll with updates that enhance user experience, and the latest addition to Google Photos, ‘Ask Photos’, is a prime example. This new feature, which has been in the works for a while, leverages the power of Gemini AI to revolutionize how you search through your photo library.
‘Ask Photos’ essentially allows you to use text prompts to find specific images within your vast photo collection. Imagine having thousands of photos stored in the cloud – this feature makes finding a specific image a breeze, eliminating the need for hours of scrolling.
One of the most exciting aspects of this update is its cross-platform compatibility. It works seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wider audience. The new feature is integrated into the Google Photos app, replacing the original Search tab. While the traditional search functionality remains available, ‘Ask Photos’ takes center stage.
It’s worth noting that this feature is not yet accessible to everyone. If you’re interested in trying it out, you can sign up for the waitlist. Once you have access, Google may ask you to identify relationships between individuals in your photos (including pets). The company also requires you to review terms and conditions regarding data privacy, which, at a glance, appear to prioritize security. Google assures users that responses are not reviewed by humans, are not used for advertising purposes, and are not used to train generative AI models beyond Photos.
Early testing by 9to5Google’s Ben Schoon indicates that the feature excels in finding people and places but might struggle with time-based searches. While the feature successfully identifies recent events, it has shown limitations in retrieving images from several years ago. The theory is that Google uses location data to refine search results, but only time will tell how effective the feature becomes as it gains broader adoption.
For now, this innovative feature is exclusive to the United States. If you’re in the US and haven’t yet tried ‘Ask Photos’, you can sign up for the waitlist here.
