Google’s AI-powered Photos improvements are starting to accelerate. Ask for picturesA Gemini-powered chatbot that lets you get ultra-specific and conversational with your photo searches is available in early access for select users in the US. Additionally, improved search for more descriptive Google Image queries is rolling out to all English-speaking users today.
Improved search in Google Photos lets you use more descriptive queries. For example, while you used to be able to search for “lake”, you can now enter “kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains”. Or you can just go with “Alice and I laugh” instead of searching for your friend Alice. The idea is to make it easier to narrow things down as our cloud-based photo libraries grow.
ask the pictures Google Photos chatbot Revealed at I/O in May, the company takes it even further. Powered by Twinsit adds a new tab at the bottom of the Photos app that lets you ask about anything in your library using natural language.
Google has introduced examples like “Show me the best photo from every national park I’ve visited,” which uses location data to sift through your park photos and some subjective robotic judgment to determine favorites. Other examples provided by the company include “What did we eat at the hotel in Stanley?” and “Where did we camp last time we went to Yosemite?”
Like other chatbot features, Query Images can also respond to further queries. That way, if it misses the mark the first time, you can ask it to change its settings and give it another pass.
Google says your Image data will never be used for advertising. Although people can review requests, they will be disconnected from your Google account, so reviewers won’t know who wrote the input. Real people won’t review Google’s Q&A, including photos or videos, unless you provide feedback or (only rarely, according to the company) address abuse.
If you’re in the US, you can register Waiting list to try to get early access to Photo Request starting today. Meanwhile, Google Photos’ more descriptive search powers are now rolling out to English-speaking users on Android and iOS.
