A suite of new AI-driven functionalities has been launched for Google Photos, featuring options to modify subjects and figures within pictures, a fresh Ask function providing AI-assisted responses concerning images or alteration requests, AI-driven templates for generating images, alongside an expanded natural language search feature.
The concept of prompt-based editing was initially presented by the firm for the Pixel 10 series devices in August. Google made an announcement on Tuesday, stating that U.S.-based iOS users now have the ability to use voice or text to articulate their desired modifications to alter images. The company is also introducing its revamped photo editor, complete with user-friendly modification tools, to iOS.
The update introduces a new feature for personalized edits that identifies individuals from Google Photos’ categorized faces. Users can locate the “Help me edit” option and input a series of commands applicable to individuals featured in the image. For instance, instructions like “Take off Riley’s shades, open my eyes, make Engel smile, and open her eyes” can be used to achieve modifications for each individual, as demonstrated in the visual below.

To enhance photo editing capabilities, Google is integrating its widely used AI image model, Nano Banana, into Google Photos, empowering users to alter their images and reimagine them in novel styles, such as transforming them into Renaissance-style portraits or comic strips.
Moreover, Google is incorporating AI templates to streamline the process for users to convert photos into specific formats effortlessly. Nano Banana has popularized formats like transforming images into vintage portraits or action figures. The company announced that this functionality will be launched next week on Android under the Create tab in both the U.S. and India, where Nano Banana sees the most usage.

Google Photos is also undergoing a minor aesthetic adjustment with the introduction of a new Ask button, serving as a gateway to various AI-driven features. Users have the ability to request details about the photo, explore related moments, and apply edits using prompts. The company will also present a selection of suggested actions to guide users on the capabilities of this feature, which is currently being rolled out to users in the U.S. on both iOS and Android platforms.

Google launched an AI-enhanced search capability for the Photos app last year, initially in the United States. The business now broadens this search to over 100 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Africa. Support will be provided for more than 17 new languages, including Arabic, Bengali, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Portugese, and Spanish.
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