Photos app Archives

Winsage

May 3, 2026

After testing LAP Photo Manager on Windows 11, I’m convinced it outperforms the built‑in Photos app in all the ways that matter

Lap is a free and open-source photo management application for Windows 11 (and 10), macOS, and Linux, designed for local photo libraries. It offers a modern interface, built-in editing tools, and supports various image and video formats, including RAW and HEIC. Lap allows users to manage extensive photo collections efficiently, with features like duplicate file detection and local AI capabilities such as natural language search and facial recognition. The app is available for download from its GitHub releases page and may trigger a SmartScreen warning during installation. It operates without requiring account setup or cloud configuration.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Google AI is creeping into every app on your phone. Here is how to disable it

Google has integrated its Gemini AI into various applications, including Gmail, Google Drive, Messages, and Google Photos. There is no universal switch to disable AI across Android devices due to varying manufacturer implementations. Users can selectively disable AI features in specific apps: - Google Messages: Disable Gemini by going to Messages settings and turning off the Gemini option. - Gmail: Turn off Smart features in Google Workspace and other Google products through the Gmail settings. - Google Photos: Disable Gemini features in Photos settings under Preferences. - Phone app: Disable AI features like Call Screen in the Phone app settings under Call Assist. - Pixel Screenshots: Disable the AI feature for searching screenshots in the Pixel Screenshots app settings. Disabling the Gemini app itself will remove its integrations and deactivate AI features on the device.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Motorola News | Motorola & Google announce new Google Photos features

Motorola and Google are introducing a wardrobe feature in Google Photos, allowing users to create a personalized digital closet by capturing images of clothing and accessories. This feature will debut on Android devices in select regions later this summer. Additionally, Motorola has integrated Google Photos Memories into its content feed, called Daily Drops, which refreshes twice daily with personalized content. The wardrobe feature aims to help users organize outfits and express individuality, while Daily Drops allows users to rediscover memories. The wardrobe feature will be available on various Android devices, including Motorola models, in the coming months, and Daily Drops is already rolling out on select Motorola devices across multiple regions.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

New touch-up tools in Google Photos’ image editor let you make quick, subtle fixes.

Google Photos has introduced a suite of touch-up tools in its image editor to help users enhance their photos while maintaining authenticity. The features include options to heal imperfections, smooth skin texture, brighten under-eye areas, enhance eye color, whiten teeth, define eyebrows, and add color to lips. Users can adjust the intensity of these effects for a personalized look. The rollout of these tools is gradual and currently available for Android devices with a minimum of 4 GB RAM and running Android 9.0 or higher.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Easy as pie: Google’s Gemini uses your memories for AI photos that feel personal

A personalization upgrade for Google's Gemini has been rolled out, enhancing its image generation capabilities through Personal Intelligence and the Nano Banana 2. Users can request personalized photos using simple prompts, as the AI analyzes their photo library and video archives. This feature will be available soon for subscribers of the AI Pro, Plus, and Ultra tiers. By connecting the Photos app to Personal Intelligence, users can enable the AI to create tailored images based on actual memories. Nano Banana 2, launched in February, has improved speed and precision, offering generated content in resolutions from 512px to 4K.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google Might Reverse the Controversial Photos App Editor Redesign

Google is planning to revise its Photos app redesign due to user feedback on usability issues. The update will reintegrate elements of the previous editor interface, including direct access to essential tools like Crop, Adjust, and Filters, which will return to a scrollable carousel at the bottom of the editor. The dedicated “Crop” menu will also be reintroduced as a unified category. Visual enhancements will include Action labels in pill-shaped borders for better visibility and a more compact “Ask” button replacing the larger “Help Me Edit” prompt. Additionally, Google is testing a new “Explore” tab that will feature a vertically scrolling, TikTok-style feed of personal videos generated by AI. This update is being rolled out to a select group of users, with a broader release expected soon.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Google might be undoing some controversial changes to the Photos app

Google is updating its Photos app based on user feedback regarding the photo editor. The revamped editor will feature a more familiar layout for essential tools like Crop, Adjust, and Filters, which will now be located at the bottom of the interface for easier access. The Crop menu, removed in the last redesign, is being reinstated. Quick-access buttons for features like Enhance and AI Enhance will remain, and a new streamlined Ask button will be introduced. Labels for actions will also be updated to a pill-shaped design for better usability. Additionally, Google is testing a new "Explore" feature on the Photos welcome screen, which offers a TikTok-like vertically scrolling feed of curated videos based on AI analysis of content, location, and featured individuals. Both the updated photo editor and the Explore feature are being rolled out to a select group of users.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Best Windows drawing apps: Paint & more

Windows offers a suite of drawing tools designed to enhance visualization and communication. Key tools include: - Microsoft Whiteboard: An infinite canvas for brainstorming and collaborative sketching. - Snipping Tool: Captures specific screen areas for annotations and clarifications. - Photos app: Allows for simple edits on images to emphasize details or add context. These tools work together to support various phases of visual thinking: - Paint: Ideal for sketches and illustrations. - Whiteboard: Expands early ideas on an open canvas. - Snipping Tool: Captures details with annotations. - Photos app: Refines images with targeted edits. Choosing the right tool enhances the creative process, with Paint for hands-on creation, Whiteboard for concept mapping, Snipping Tool for quick captures, and Photos app for refining images.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

I never worry about photo composition thanks to this Google Pixel 9a trick

Google Pixel phones offer AI-powered photography tools, including the Magic Editor and Auto Best Take in Google Photos. A notable feature is Auto Frame, introduced with the Pixel 9 series and available on the Pixel 9a, which automatically crops and resizes images for better composition. This tool helps users focus on capturing moments rather than technical details. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series utilize the rule of thirds in photo arrangements, enhancing visual appeal and teaching users about composition. Auto Frame can be used in real-time or for editing older photos, making it useful for quick shots. It employs generative AI for minor adjustments but primarily focuses on cropping and resizing. Auto Frame is available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 10 series, and the A-series model.