Samsung has embarked on a new chapter in its cloud storage journey by integrating Google Photos into the Samsung Gallery app. This strategic shift comes on the heels of the company’s decision to end its collaboration with Microsoft, which previously enabled users to back up their photos and videos to OneDrive directly from Samsung Gallery.
According to reports from tipster Ice Universe on X, the rollout of this integration is underway, with the latest version of Samsung Gallery (v15.9.01.7) now featuring a “Sync photos and videos” option. Users can access this functionality by navigating to Menu > Settings > Sync photos and videos within the Gallery app. However, it’s worth noting that not all users may see this option immediately, as the rollout appears to be gradual.
Benefits and Limitations of the Integration
This new integration is particularly beneficial for those who prefer cloud-based backups through Google but wish to avoid using the Google Photos app directly. Users will only need to set up automatic backups once via the Google Photos app to ensure their memories are safely stored in the cloud.
However, there are limitations to this integration. Notably, users will not be able to browse their entire Google Photos library through Samsung Gallery, as indicated by Google’s support page. This absence of functionality is a missed opportunity, especially considering that other Android manufacturers like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and OPPO have offered similar integrations that allow users to access their complete Google Photos library within their gallery apps.
As Samsung transitions away from its previous OneDrive partnership, which is set to conclude at the end of the month, it is anticipated that more users will soon experience the benefits of the Gallery and Google Photos integration. This move reflects Samsung’s commitment to enhancing user experience while adapting to the evolving landscape of cloud storage solutions.
