At I/O 2024, Google announced a new AI-powered feature for Google Photos called Ask Photos. This feature allows users to search their Google Photos library using text prompts in a conversational manner, leveraging Google’s Gemini AI. The feature aims to make searching for photos and videos easier and more intuitive.
Ask Photos is now rolling out to US users, allowing them to ask Gemini about their images and videos. To use this feature, users can simply type a prompt, such as “Alice and me laughing” or “Emma painting in the backyard”, and Gemini will provide relevant results. This feature is also available in traditional searches in Google Search that do not involve Gemini.
Here are some example prompts that can be used with Gemini and Ask Photos:
These prompts demonstrate how users can ask complex questions and get relevant answers from their photo library.
To get access to Ask Photos, users can request access for their Google account by visiting this link.
Google assures users that their Google Photos data will not be used for ad targeting. While some queries might be viewed by humans, the answers provided by Ask Photos will not be reviewed by humans unless feedback is provided or in rare cases to address abuse or harm.
Google is taking its photo search capabilities to the next level with the introduction of Ask Photos, an AI-powered feature that allows users to search their Google Photos library using conversational text prompts. This feature is made possible by Google’s Gemini AI, which enables users to search for photos and videos using natural language.
Ask Photos eliminates the need to think of the right keywords, making it easier and better than before. Users can ask Gemini questions like “Alice and me laughing” or “Kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains” to find specific photos and videos.
While traditional search in Google Photos is already impressive, Ask Photos takes it to the next level. With Ask Photos, users can ask complex questions like “Where did we camp last time we went to Yosemite?” or “What did we eat at the hotel in Stanley?”
As much as I appreciate the convenience of Ask Photos, I’m concerned about the potential risks to user privacy. According to Google, Photos data will not be used for ad targeting. However, some queries might be viewed by humans after being disconnected from the Google Account. It’s essential to understand how Ask Photos handles user data and to review the provided support document for additional information.