First unveiled at Google’s I/O developer conference in May, Google Photos is beginning to roll out its AI-driven search feature, “Ask Photos.” Initially, this feature will be available in “early access” to a select group of users in the U.S., with plans for broader availability in the future.
Natural Language Queries with Gemini AI
Utilizing Google’s Gemini AI model, Ask Photos allows users to search their photo collections using natural language queries. In addition, it taps into the AI’s understanding of the content and metadata of the images. Users previously could search for specific people, places, or objects. However, the AI enhancement enables a wider range of inquiries. Additionally, it includes those that require a more nuanced comprehension of the photos.
Google Beyond Photo Retrieval: Helpful Insights
Google emphasizes that Ask Photos can do more than retrieve images; users can also ask questions for useful information. Users can pose practical questions to jog their memory about specific events.
Additionally, they can ask questions like “Where did we camp last time” at locations like Yosemite. The feature can also assist in organizing photos for an album or summarizing activities from a trip.
Understanding Context and Personalization
The AI will comprehend the context of users’ photo galleries. In addition, it includes significant individuals in their lives, hobbies, favorite foods, and other pertinent details and memories.
Google Access and Privacy Considerations
To access Ask Photos, select users in the U.S. will find it within Google Labs, as it remains in the experimental stage. Google assures that the development of this feature adheres to its AI Principles. Additionally, it will not use users’ private data within Photos for advertising purposes.
However, Google employees may review user queries to enhance the AI’s performance over time. AI-generated answers will not be subject to human review unless users seek support. Thus, it will provide feedback or report issues. Users interested in this feature can join a waitlist for early access to Ask Photos.
