Photos app Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft tests Windows AI features on RTX GPUs, not just NPUs

Microsoft is expanding the availability of its Copilot+ features to users with Nvidia RTX GPUs, allowing older PCs to utilize advanced AI tools such as text summarization, image upscaling, and code generation. This change is facilitated by the experimental release of the Windows App SDK 2.2, which enables AI functionalities to run on dedicated Nvidia RTX GPUs. Features include text rewriting, editing, and advanced capabilities in the Microsoft Photos app. Users must download the experimental version of WinAppSDK 2.2, have an Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM, and enable Developer Mode on their PC. This shift reflects a broader strategy to leverage local AI models while still using cloud resources, aiming to democratize access to AI capabilities across a wider range of devices.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Google TV’s screensaver is nice, but where oh where is my native Photos app?

Google TV features Ambient Mode, a screensaver that displays images from sources like NASA, Getty, and Google Arts & Culture, as well as photos from users' Google Photos libraries. However, there is no dedicated Google Photos app for Google TV, leading to a subpar experience for users trying to access their photos. Users can cast photos from Android devices or use Google’s search functionality, but these methods are often unreliable. Additionally, Google’s voice command feature, Gemini, is not universally available, complicating the search for photos. A dedicated Google Photos app would streamline access to collections and enhance the viewing experience, as competitors like Apple and Amazon offer more comprehensive photo viewing options. The lack of a native app is seen as a missed opportunity for Google TV to improve user experience.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Microsoft admits modern Windows 11 apps actually resize worse than the old ones, fix coming this summer

Microsoft is working on a solution to address the black tearing issue during window resizing in WinUI 3 applications on Windows 11, with a rollout expected to begin this summer. March Rogers, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Design, confirmed that the Windows team is testing smooth resizing code on native inbox applications before extending the update to the Windows App SDK. The transition to WinUI 3 aims to replace inefficient web applications and improve user experience, with significant components like the Start menu and system-level dialog boxes being upgraded to WinUI 3. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Windows App SDK 2.0 to encourage third-party developers to adopt native app development, addressing previous issues such as bugs and lack of visual features.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Microsoft admits modern Windows 11 apps actually resize worse than the old ones, fix coming this summer

Microsoft is working to improve the user experience of WinUI 3 applications by addressing the issue of black tearing during window resizing. A fix is planned to be rolled out over the summer, as confirmed by March Rogers, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Design. Currently, WinUI 3 apps exhibit noticeable tearing during resizing, unlike UWP applications that resize smoothly. The Windows team is testing the smooth resizing code on native inbox apps before its broader rollout. Additionally, Microsoft is transitioning away from web-based architectures to enhance native app development, with plans to migrate the Windows 11 Start menu and system-level dialog boxes to WinUI 3. The company aims to rebuild trust with third-party developers through the Windows App SDK 2.0, which introduces new features and simplifies the development process for native applications.

Winsage

May 20, 2026

This tool lets you purge Windows 11 of all AI bloat features

Microsoft's Copilot chatbot is integrated into various Windows 11 applications, including the Edge browser, Photos app, and Paint software. Users can manage and disable unwanted AI components using the open-source program FlyOOBE, available for free on GitHub. To use FlyOOBE, users download a ZIP file, extract it, and run FlyOOBE.exe as an administrator. The program allows users to check the activation status of AI components and disable those they do not want by selecting them and confirming the changes. If FlyOOBE freezes, users can close the "Windows PowerShell" window to re-check components. FlyOOBE also offers features for removing bloatware. While it is free, donations to the developer, Builtbybel, are appreciated.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Android’s Google Photos App Finally Has An Update Users Have Been Waiting For

Google Photos has introduced the ability to change video playback speed for Android users, a feature that has been highly requested. Users can access this feature by ensuring they have the latest version of the app, selecting a video, and tapping the three-dot icon on the playback screen to choose from five playback speed options: 0.25X, 0.5X, 1X, 1.5X, and 2X. This update began rolling out in early April 2026.

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.