Google Photos introduces AI-powered ‘Ask Photos’ feature for smarter photo searching

Google has introduced two innovative AI-powered features designed to enhance the photo searching experience for users of its Google Photos service. One of these features, known as “Ask Photos,” is currently being rolled out to users, providing a new, interactive way to locate specific photos and videos by using natural language queries.

The Ask Photos feature utilises Google’s latest AI model, Gemini, to understand the context of images in users’ galleries. This AI technology can discern elements such as the people in the photos, personal interests, or even specific locations and dishes, making it easier to find photos tied to memorable life events. For instance, users planning to revisit a previously enjoyed camping site can now simply ask, “Where did we camp the last time we went to Yosemite?” Similarly, if someone wants to recall a particular meal they enjoyed at a hotel in Stanley, they might ask, “What did we eat at the hotel in Stanley?”.

This innovative feature not only responds to queries but also supports ongoing conversational exchanges, allowing users to refine their searches by providing additional details. This level of interaction represents a significant advancement in photo search technology, aiming to make the process both intuitive and precise.

The initial rollout of Ask Photos is happening in the United States and is linked to a waitlist launched in September. Users will notice the feature in their Google Photos app once the traditional “Search” button at the bottom is replaced by the “Ask Photos” option. The update will be accessible on both Android and iOS platforms.

Additionally, there is another feature that builds on Google Photos’ search capabilities, allowing users to perform more descriptive queries. This feature, which began distribution in early September, permits users to search for moments like “Alice and me laughing,” or “Emma painting in the backyard,” using everyday language.

Jamie Aspinall, the group product manager for Google Photos, commented on these developments, noting the increasing size of photo libraries and the subsequent need for more sophisticated search technologies. This improvement aims to facilitate quicker and easier access to specific memories by sorting search results by date or relevance.

Privacy, a crucial consideration in the age of AI, has been addressed by Google. Aspinall assured users that the company adheres to its AI Principles, ensuring that personal photos remain secure and are not exploited for advertising purposes. Although certain queries might be reviewed by humans to improve the feature, these are done after disconnecting the data from the user’s Google Account, safeguarding user privacy.

For those interested in trying Ask Photos, joining the waitlist is straightforward. Users can visit the Google Photos page, navigate to the Ask Photos section, and submit their email address to join.

The Ask Photos rollout has begun for those in the US who signed up early, with Google confirming it will eventually replace the existing ‘Search’ functionality within the app. The tool is primarily designed to answer questions about familiar people in one’s life, but it also serves as a helpful tool for recalling details from vacations or significant events.

Despite its current availability being limited to the United States, Google has received inquiries about a potential global rollout. The company has yet to provide a timeline for broader international availability.

Overall, Ask Photos represents a significant shift for Google Photos, transforming it from a basic photo storage system into a sophisticated AI-driven memory repository. While some users may enthusiastically embrace this technology for its utility, others may find its capabilities somewhat invasive. Nonetheless, as Google continues to refine these features, it remains a leading contender in the arena of photo management applications.

Source: Noah Wire Services