By Miko 
Google’s ever-evolving Android ecosystem is set to welcome a new member—an AI-powered feature known as Ask Photos. This intriguing innovation was first teased during Google’s annual I/O event back in May, promising to take your photo gallery experience to the next level. It’s designed to allow Latest Gemini AI, Google’s on-device AI assistant, to dive deep into your photo collection and answer questions about the images stored on your device. The latest buzz? Ask Photos has now been spotted in the beta version of the Google app, hinting that it’s well on its way.
Google is Cooking Up Something Big with ‘Ask Photos’
According to a report from Android Authority, the Ask Photos feature was discovered during a teardown of the Google app’s latest beta version (15.33.36.29.arm64). For those unfamiliar, an APK teardown is essentially a deep dive into the app’s code, where tech enthusiasts can unearth clues about upcoming features. And that’s exactly what happened here.
The string of code that set the tech world buzzing includes a phrase that reads, “assistant_robin_action_ask_photos_single_image_content_description.” Now, that might sound like tech jargon, but it’s actually quite revealing. The code suggests that the Ask Photos feature will be powered by the Gemini AI assistant. For the uninitiated, “Robin” is the internal code name for Gemini, which means this feature is tightly integrated with Google’s latest AI endeavors.
How Will Ask Photos Work?
So, how exactly will Ask Photos function? Imagine this: You’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to Jaipur, and weeks later, you want to reminisce about your journey. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of images, you could simply ask, “What did I wear when I visited Jaipur?” With Ask Photos, Gemini will search your Google Photos and pull up the relevant images, saving you time and hassle.
What’s particularly exciting is that Ask Photos isn’t limited to simple queries. Whether your question is straightforward or a bit on the vague side, Gemini’s AI capabilities are built to provide the right answers. It’s like having a personal photo curator, powered by AI, at your fingertips.
The Integration of Google Photos and Gemini AI
The discovery of additional code strings further cements the idea that Ask Photos is more than just a nifty tool. It’s an extension of Google Photos, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the Gemini AI assistant. This integration means that when the feature finally rolls out, it will be available through the Gemini AI, offering users a more intelligent and intuitive way to interact with their photo collections.
Google has been clear that the feature’s database will rely on the user’s Google Photos backup. This implies that all your images stored in Google Photos could potentially become searchable through Ask Photos. So, whether you’re asking about a specific outfit, a memorable sunset, or even a friend’s smile, Gemini is expected to find and display the right image almost effortlessly.
More Updates on Google Photos: Block and Show Less
As if that wasn’t enough, Google has also been busy enhancing other aspects of the Google Photos experience. A recent update introduces two new features: Block and Show Less. These tools are designed to give users more control over their media collections.
The Show Less option allows you to block certain individuals from appearing in the Memories carousel—a handy feature if you want to minimize reminders of someone without completely erasing them from your library. Meanwhile, the Block feature takes it a step further by removing a person from appearing anywhere in the app, offering a clean slate if you need it.
When Will We Get Our Hands on Ask Photos?
Now, the million-dollar question: When will Ask Photos be available for everyone? While the feature is still in development, it’s clear that Google is laying the groundwork for something big. The fact that it’s already appearing in beta versions suggests that we might not have to wait too long.
For those enrolled in the Google Play beta program, patience will be key. The feature isn’t yet available for testing, but the moment Google flips the switch, beta testers will likely be the first to experience it.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Photo Management?
Google’s Ask Photos feature is shaping up to be a game-changer in how we interact with our photo libraries. By leveraging the power of AI, Google is making it easier than ever to find, sort, and reminisce about our most cherished memories. Whether you’re a casual photographer or someone with thousands of images stored away, this upcoming feature could very well redefine your photo management experience.
Stay tuned, because the future of Google Photos, powered by Gemini AI, is just around the corner.
Nice informative post .