Google is simplifying photo library searches with its new “Ask Photos” feature. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI models, this tool enables users to search for images and videos in Google Photos using natural, descriptive language. Beyond just searching for people, pets, or locations, you can now describe specific scenes or moments, and Google Photos will find the most relevant results.
What is the Ask Photos feature?
Ask Photos is an advanced search tool that allows users to interact with their photo libraries more conversationally and intuitively. Unlike the traditional keyword-based searches in Google Photos, this feature lets you use detailed descriptions or ask complex questions to find specific images. For example, if you want a photo of you and a friend laughing at an event, you can simply say, “John and me laughing,” and it will display relevant photos. It can also handle detailed queries like “Kayaking on a lake” or “Lisa painting in the backyard,” making it easier to locate specific memories in large photo collections.
Ask Photos uses Google’s powerful Gemini AI models to understand the context of your images, including the people, places, and objects in them. It can recognize key individuals, hobbies, and familiar locations from your life. For example, you can ask specific questions like, “Where did we camp on our last Europe trip?” or “What did we eat at the hotel in Greece?” The feature examines your photos and offers answers by recognizing details such as camping equipment or food items.
If the search isn’t accurate on the first attempt, you can refine it by adding more specifics, such as the time of year or a friend’s name, and Ask Photos will adjust its results accordingly.
It also helps with tasks like selecting the best pictures for a shared album or summarizing an event, making it easier to navigate through hundreds of photos and find the highlights.
When is it coming out?
The new Ask Photos feature is currently in early access and is gradually being rolled out to a select group of users in the U.S. through Google Labs. Google is taking a cautious approach to ensure the feature functions smoothly before a wider release. If you want to try it early, you can join the waitlist. Once the feature is fine-tuned, it will be made available to a larger audience.
As with other Google services, data privacy remains a top priority. Google assures users that their photos and personal data won’t be used for advertising. While some of the queries may be reviewed by humans to improve the feature, they will be anonymized and disconnected from your account to safeguard your privacy. However, human reviews are rare and only occur to address issues like abuse or harm.
