Google Photos adds new AI features for editing, expands AI-powered search to over 100 countries

Google Photos has introduced a host of innovative AI-driven features aimed at enhancing user experience. Among these updates are new editing capabilities that allow users to modify specific objects and individuals within their photos. Additionally, an Ask button has been added to facilitate AI-powered inquiries about images or editing requests. Initially launched for the Pixel 10 series in August, the prompt-based editing feature is now available for iOS users in the U.S. This allows users to articulate their editing preferences through voice or text commands. Google also announced that it is rolling out a revamped photo editor for iOS, which includes personalized editing options that can recognize individuals based on their photo groupings. One standout feature, titled “Help me edit,” permits users to input detailed instructions for their desired changes. For example, users can request edits like, "Remove Riley’s sunglasses, open my eyes, make Engel smile, and open her eyes,” to achieve specific modifications for each person in the image. Furthermore, Google is integrating its popular AI model, Nano Banana, into Google Photos. This tool enables users to transform their photos into various artistic styles, such as Renaissance portraits or cartoon strips. In addition, AI templates will allow users to easily format their images into specific styles, with the Nano Banana feature particularly popular for creating retro portraits or action figure representations. This exciting update is set to launch next week for Android users in the U.S. and India, where it has garnered significant attention. Google Photos will also undergo a slight redesign, featuring the new Ask button as a central hub for AI-related requests. Users can use this tool to gather information about their photos, explore related memories, and prompt edits based on their queries. Suggestion chips will guide users on possible actions, and this feature is being rolled out for both iOS and Android users in the U.S. Last year, Google debuted an AI-powered search feature within the Photos app, which initially launched in the United States. Today, the company announced the expansion of this search capability to over 100 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and India, among others. The feature will support more than 17 new languages, including Arabic, Bengali, French, and Spanish, making it more accessible to a global audience.