In a notable development within the tech landscape, Google appears to be experimenting with a new integration in its Google Photos application, introducing a feature that allows users to edit their Memories using CapCut, a popular video editing tool owned by ByteDance. This move is particularly intriguing given the rarity of Google promoting third-party applications within its own ecosystem, especially those linked to a company facing scrutiny in various regions, including the United States.
Exploring the New Feature
During an APK teardown of version 7.38 of the Google Photos app, our team discovered a new “Edit in CapCut” button nestled within the Memories viewer. This feature is designed to enhance the user experience by allowing for seamless editing of auto-generated highlight reels composed of past photos and videos. The button prominently appears in the bottom left corner of the screen for Memories that consist solely of photos, while it remains absent for video-only memories.
For users who have not yet installed CapCut, tapping the button prompts a download from the Play Store. Conversely, if CapCut is already on the user’s device, the selected memory is likely to be downloaded and directed to the CapCut editor for further customization. However, accessibility issues arise as the CapCut app is not available in certain regions, such as India, where this integration was first uncovered.
This raises questions about Google’s rationale for promoting a non-Google app, particularly one owned by ByteDance, which has faced bans in countries like India and temporary suspensions in the U.S. It is conceivable that ByteDance may have provided incentives to Google to facilitate this integration within one of its most widely used applications.
As the feature has yet to see a broad rollout or even appear in the app’s beta version, it seems that Google is cautiously testing the waters, possibly considering a limited regional launch. The tech community remains watchful for further developments regarding this intriguing collaboration.
