Major Google Photos update adds the most requested feature for the app

1comment
Major Google Photos update adds the most requested feature for the app
Google Photos is getting a UI makeover and it's rolling out now to both the iOS and Android versions of the app, which was created to help organize mobile users' photos. Over one billion people per month use the app and the company notes that "Over the past few years we’ve also seen that people use Google Photos when they feel nostalgic and want to reminisce. Google Photos has become more than just an app to manage your photos, it’s become the home for your life’s memories." Cue misty eyes.

The update begins with a new (albeit familiar) icon. Google says, "We originally designed the Google Photos icon after a pinwheel, as a nod to childhood and nostalgia. Today, we're refreshing and simplifying the icon, while retaining that familiar pinwheel shape to remind you of past memories."

Google Photos gets a facelift


The redesign is focused on helping you find treasured images that transport you back in time. For example, you can view photos of that Disney trip you took all the way back in...February before the daily coronavirus headcount became must-watch programming. The new UI brings older photos and videos to the center of the screen with three tabs placed on the bottom of the display. The three tabs include Photos, Search, and Library.

The Photos tab contains all of your photos and videos but you'll notice that they now have larger thumbnails, auto-playing videos, and less white space between photos (saving your retinas). There is also a larger Memories carousel at the top of the display. The Search tab is front and center to get you quickly to the pictures and videos that show the people, places, and things that are important to your life. The Library tab includes destinations such as Albums, Favorites, Trash, Archive, and more. If you're rummaging through the app in the U.S., Canada, or EU, you can visit the Print Store where products can be ordered that feature the results of your own talents as a photographer. Shared content can be viewed by tapping on the "conversation" icon found on the upper left corner of the screen.

Recommended Stories
The Search tab now includes an interactive map that can be navigated using pinch and zoom to a specific location. All photos and videos taken at this spot will be available to view. So if you want to see all of the photos and videos you took in Times Square, Abbey Road Studios, or Cupertino, this can be achieved quickly and easily. Google says that if you enable location from your smartphone camera, Location History, or manually add locations, these photos and videos have already been organized and viewable based on the location where they were taken. Now, with the new feature, they will also show up when using map view. Google says that this has been one of its most requested features for the Google Photos app.

Memories has become one of the most used features available on Google Photos with more than 120 million users per month. Today, Google introduced some new Memories including the best pictures of you and a family member or a friend over the years including images snapped just a week ago.

Google has also removed the For You tab which includes its automatic creations such as movies, collages, animations, stylized photos, and more. You will now find these in the Memories tab at the bottom of the display.

The new Google Photos is being disseminated starting today to both iOS and Android devices. If you need to install the app, it is available from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Recommended Stories

Loading Comments...
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless