Google Photos is set to enhance its Ask Photos feature, making it quicker at processing general queries. This update aims to address user feedback regarding the previously slow response times when searching for broad topics like “beaches” or “dogs.”
The feature’s early access began in September 2024, and an earlier update this year revamped its Gemini chat interface. With this new update, users can expect to receive responses almost immediately when they ask about general subjects.
While Ask Photos will promptly display relevant results, the Gemini AI will continue to work in the background to refine the search for more specific images. According to Google, users will see a grid of relevant images right away, while a smooth animation indicates that Gemini is finding the best matches for their queries.
In addition, the rollout of Ask Photos will now extend beyond early access, becoming available to English-speaking users in the U.S. aged 18 and older. The AI-based search feature first debuted in September, allowing users to submit text queries to discover content in their photo library.
Despite the initial promises of responsiveness, user feedback highlighted the AI’s slower processing times for broad requests. The latest improvements aim to provide users with quicker access to a wide range of their media.
Ask Photos has also undergone a user interface overhaul, introducing a cleaner chat layout with a “try asking” section that suggests various queries. This revised interface will visually present photos while Gemini delivers detailed text responses based on the user’s input.
Overall, these updates reflect Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience in Google Photos as it strives to simplify photo searches through AI-driven technology.