Google has rolled out its new “Ask Photos” feature to selected users across the United States. The AI tool, first showcased at the Google I/O conference in May, leverages the Gemini AI model to facilitate more nuanced and natural language queries within Google Photos.
Expanded Search Capabilities
Traditionally, Google Photos allowed users to search by identifying specific people, places, or items. The new Ask Photos feature expands these capabilities, enabling users to issue more complex queries. For example, users can now ask for their “best photo from each of the National Parks visited,” with the AI assessing factors like lighting and image clarity. The tool also utilizes geolocation data to pinpoint photos accurately.
Ask Photos isn't just about advanced searching; it serves practical needs as well. Parents, for example, can ask the AI to highlight themes from their child's birthday parties, such as “mermaid,” “princess,” or “superhero.” It can help recall specific events, such as what was ordered during a previous restaurant visit or where the family camped on a previous trip to Yosemite, making it easier to organize photos into albums or snapshots of activities.
Privacy and Availability
Currently in its experimental stage, the feature is accessible through Google Labs to a select number of U.S. users. Google ensures that the development of this feature aligns with its AI Principles, guaranteeing that private photo data will not be used for ad targeting. While Google employees might review user queries to improve the AI, the responses generated by the AI won't undergo human review unless users request support or report problems.
Those interested in early access to Ask Photos can join a waitlist. Google emphasizes that any data reviewed will be managed with strict privacy considerations, aiming to provide an intuitive photo management experience.
Updates to Classic Search
In addition to the new AI capabilities, Google has also updated the classic search functionality in Google Photos. Users can now perform searches using natural language queries like “Alice and me laughing” or “Kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains.” The search results can be filtered by date or relevance, enhancing the overall usability.
The feature is being introduced in English on Android and iOS platforms, with additional languages expected to be supported in the coming weeks. To accommodate these updates, Google Photos has replaced its Library tab with a new Collection page, simplifying the process of finding photos and videos.
