Google Photos continues to enhance its suite of image editing tools, offering a blend of free and cross-platform features that cater to a diverse user base. However, the growing array of editing options can sometimes feel overwhelming. With recent updates, the image editor has undergone a significant transformation, relocating familiar features such as the Magic Eraser and Magic Editor. For those feeling daunted by the multitude of choices, a new feature is poised to simplify the experience: Ask Photos.
Ask Photos is designed to streamline the editing process by allowing users to issue natural-language prompts rather than navigating through various sliders and buttons. This innovative approach mirrors the conversational requests used with AI chatbots like Gemini, enabling users to instruct Google Photos on how to edit their images. This feature is set to be available for personal Google accounts in the U.S., though users will need to opt in during their first use. To activate Ask Photos, users must enable face match and location estimation, granting the app permission to gain insights into their lives and improve its functionality based on user queries.
While the convenience of Ask Photos is appealing, users must weigh the benefits against the privacy implications of allowing Google to process their information. Although Google does not utilize photos or videos to train its AI models, it will use the prompts for training purposes. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid including personal information in any requests made through Ask Photos.
How to use Ask Photos in Google Photos
To access the Ask Photos feature, users can locate the chat box within the Google Photos editor. Upon first use, acceptance of the terms and conditions is required, permitting Google to process specific data associated with the images. Once the necessary permissions are granted, users can easily edit their photos by following these steps:
- Open the Google Photos app and select a photo to edit.
- Tap the Edit button on the chosen photo.
- Press the Help me edit text field.
Google Photos ensures transparency through C2PA Content Credentials, which clarify the distinction between original and edited photos. The Google Pixel 10 series enhances this feature by recording C2PA Content Credentials directly within the Pixel Camera app at the moment a photo is taken. Furthermore, the Google Photos app adds metadata for images edited with and without AI. This means users can confidently edit their images using Ask Photos without misleading anyone, as modifications that do not involve AI—such as cropping—will not inadvertently label the photos as AI-edited. Google accurately tracks the types of edits made and documents them in the C2PA Content Credentials, accessible in the Details section of any photo within the Google Photos library.
When I use Ask Photos to edit my pictures
For those who frequently engage with complex editing features in Google Photos, Ask Photos proves to be a time-saving alternative. Instead of navigating through multiple taps to crop an image or adjust colors, users can simply type a straightforward prompt in the Ask Photos text field. This allows Google Photos to take over, executing the edits automatically. It’s an engaging way to discover the full potential of Google Photos, enabling users to explore editing tools that they may not have encountered otherwise.
