Google Photos Archives

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Here’s why Snapseed is still my favorite app for editing photos

Megan Ellis from Android Authority highlights Snapseed as a standout free image editing application on Android, known for its simplicity and powerful tools. Despite infrequent updates, the app offers an intuitive interface, various preset filters, and selective editing options without overwhelming users. Snapseed is completely ad-free and does not require subscription fees, prioritizing user privacy by collecting minimal data. Ellis continues to rely on Snapseed for enhancing images and preparing photos for printing, appreciating its straightforward functionality compared to other apps that often have aggressive monetization strategies.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Google Photos now lets you spice up your pictures with Ultra HDR glow

Google Photos has introduced the Ultra HDR feature, replacing the previous HDR effect, allowing users to enhance the brightness and vibrancy of their photos. The rollout has begun, with select users already experiencing it, and it is part of version 7.24.0.747539053 found in the “Adjust” tab. When applied, images will have an “Ultra HDR” tag in the metadata, and the Ultra HDR version may take up less storage space than the original image due to a compact gain map. Each Ultra HDR file also includes a standard dynamic range (SDR) version for compatibility with non-HDR displays.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini on Android Can Now Answer Queries About Google Photos

Google Photos has integrated with the Gemini app on Android, allowing users to interact with their photo libraries more effectively. This feature, known as Ask Photos, enables users to ask questions about their images and retrieve specific information. The rollout is gradual, and users can access it by navigating to the Gemini app, selecting Google Photos in the Apps menu, and toggling the switch to connect the AI chatbot with their photo library. Users can search for images using natural language prompts and ask questions about the content of the images. Gemini can identify images or albums and allow users to open them in Google Photos or drag and drop images into other applications, though it currently does not support photo editing or album management.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini AI can now look through your photos on Android

Google's Gemini app for Android has launched a new feature that integrates with Google Photos, allowing users to access backed-up images and videos through facial recognition, date, location, or content descriptions. This integration aims to enhance user experience by providing a more personalized and efficient way to navigate photo libraries.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Gemini app rolling out Google Photos integration on Android

Google is rolling out an integration of its Photos app with the Gemini application for Android users, allowing seamless access to backed-up images and videos. The integration includes two main components: one for locating images and videos using criteria such as facial recognition, location, date, keywords, and current conversations, and another for requesting details related to photos. Users can issue specific prompts to find their photos and ask for information about past events. To activate the feature, users must navigate to the Gemini app and select Google Photos from the profile menu. The rollout is currently limited to a select group of invited users on Android devices in the United States.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is using Google’s apps better than using the ones already on my phone?

Jerry, a tech professional with over 15 years of experience, addresses questions about Android and technology. He emphasizes the dual nature of preinstalled apps on Android phones, which can provide functionality but also clutter the user experience. He suggests that manufacturers should improve backup processes similar to Apple’s. Key apps recommended for Android users include Google Chrome, Google Messages, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. Alternatives to consider are Samsung's web browser, WhatsApp for messaging, Samsung's file browser, and music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Users are encouraged to explore app recommendations and experiment with different applications to enhance their smartphone experience.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

How to use the Files by Google app to free up storage on your Android phone

Many Android devices, including those from Samsung and Google, often come with 128GB or less of internal storage, highlighting the need for effective storage management. The Clean tool in the Files by Google app helps users manage storage by identifying outdated files for deletion. Users can access the Clean tool by opening the app, selecting the Clean tab, and following prompts to delete unnecessary files. To permanently free up space, users must also delete files from the Trash tab. Pixel phone users can enable Smart Storage, which automatically deletes media backed up to Google Photos that is older than 60 days. Regular storage maintenance is important to prevent running out of space, and the Files by Google app provides tools for monitoring and managing storage effectively.

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

How do you use Android app shortcuts?

App shortcuts were introduced with Android 7.1 in October 2016 and have seen user interface changes while retaining their functionality. They provide quick access to specific tasks within applications. Commonly used app shortcuts include Chrome's New Tab, Play Store's My apps, Gmail account shortcuts, Fitbit's Log Water, Files by Google: Downloads, Google Calendar: New task, Google Keep: New text note, Google Maps: Home and Work, and Pixel Camera: Take a selfie and Take a video. Users can access shortcuts by long-pressing application icons rather than cluttering their homescreen. Improvements suggested include the ability to hide unused shortcuts, a more compact presentation, and a layout without text labels for easier one-handed use. There are currently limitations on the number of shortcuts per app, and some users find the long-press action on Pixel Launcher and Samsung’s One UI distracting.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

How to create an online drive on your Windows PC

Many PC users face issues with limited storage space and malware threats to local files. A solution is to create an online drive, such as Google Drive or OneDrive, which protects files and allows access from anywhere. To create an online drive using Google Drive: 1. Open a web browser and search for "Google Drive for Desktop" or "OneDrive for Desktop." 2. Click on the first official link to go to the download page. 3. Download the "Download For Windows" version of the chosen cloud service. 4. Install the downloaded software on your PC. 5. Launch the Drive app, sign in, and select folders to sync, then complete the setup. To access synced files on a Windows PC: 1. Open File Explorer. 2. Click on "This PC" and select "Google Drive" to access the files.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Partner Sharing support for third-party app images returns to Google Photos

Google is reinstating automatic third-party photo content sharing through Partner Sharing in the Photos app, allowing users to include content from other Android apps. This feature was removed to reduce clutter but is returning due to user feedback. The update will enable users to see their screenshots and images from other apps in their partner's view if enabled. Additionally, Google has introduced a Collections tab to streamline access to albums and is testing an AI-based feature called "Ask Photos" for enhanced photo management.