Google Photos' latest feature, "Ask Photos," is being rolled out to users gradually. This AI-driven search tool is set to revolutionize the way we interact with digital albums. Starting this Thursday, a portion of users in the United States will be able to experience this feature through "early access," which allows users to retrieve photos using natural language queries rather than just keyword searches.
The technology behind "Ask Photos" is Google's Gemini AI model, which can understand photo content and metadata to provide deeper search results. Users can ask more complex questions, such as "the best photos of every national park I've visited," and the AI will evaluate "best" photos based on factors like lighting, clarity, and background, and combine this with geographic location information to find the corresponding photos.
This feature is not limited to photo retrieval; it can also help users obtain useful information. For example, parents can ask about the themes of their children's birthday parties over the past few years, and the AI can analyze the party photos to identify themes like "mermaid" or "superhero." Additionally, users can recall specific events by asking questions, such as their dining history at a particular restaurant or camping experiences at a specific destination.
Google emphasizes that the development of "Ask Photos" follows the company's AI principles, ensuring that users' photos are not used for ad targeting. Although Google employees may review user queries to improve the AI, the AI's responses will not be manually reviewed unless the user actively seeks support or reports an issue.
Currently, "Ask Photos" is still in the experimental phase, and users in the United States can find and try this feature in Google Labs. Over time, this feature is expected to provide convenience for more users, allowing them to manage and review their digital memories more easily.
This new feature of Google Photos, "Ask Photos," represents another step forward in AI's enhancement of user experience. It not only simplifies the photo retrieval process but also brings a more personalized and intelligent way of interaction. With continuous technological advancements, we can look forward to more innovative features like this in the future, further enriching our digital lives.