Google Photos Android App May Soon Offer Media Compression
For avid photographers and videographers who frequently encounter the limitations of Google Photos’ complimentary 15GB storage capacity, there’s potential good news on the horizon. A recent APK teardown of Google Photos suggests that Android users might soon have the ability to compress photos and videos already stored on their devices.
This feature, previously exclusive to the web version of Google Photos, allows users to reduce the file size of their media, thus conserving valuable storage space. The compressed backups will be stored at a permanently reduced size, and it’s important to note that this process is irreversible. Additionally, users will be limited to one compression action per day.
The discovery comes from an analysis of the app’s latest update, where code strings hint at the integration of Google Photos’ Storage saver setting within the Android environment. This setting, when selected, compresses files to a smaller size to help users stay within their storage quota.
While the feature is already accessible via web browsers, its potential addition to the Android app would mark a significant convenience for mobile users. However, it’s worth exercising caution with this tool, as once media is compressed, it cannot be returned to its original quality.
Details on how the feature operates on the web can be found on Google’s support page, and it’s expected that the process will be similar on the Android app, should the feature officially roll out.
As with all APK teardowns, it’s important to remember that uncovered features are not guaranteed to see a public release. They are often indicative of what developers are exploring and may or may not make it into the final product.
