Google Photos turns 10; Rolls out AI editor and smarter sharing via QR codes

Google Photos just turned 10, and is celebrating it with the launch of a new photo editor to make editing easier and faster for Android and iOS devices users.

Google Photos, a widely used cloud storage service for photos and videos, has launched a redesigned photo editor along with new AI-driven features. This update marks a significant milestone as the app reaches its 10th anniversary. The new tools and interface aim to simplify photo editing and bring advanced AI capabilities, previously limited to premium Pixel phones, to a broader user base.

Google Photos Marks 10 Years with Major Update

Google Photos has introduced a redesigned image editor with AI tools and new sharing features to mark its 10th anniversary. (Google)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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The updated editor introduces a streamlined layout that places all editing options within a single menu. Users can now tap on specific parts of a photo, such as the subject or background, and receive AI-generated suggestions tailored to that area. These suggestions help improve the selected section quickly without the need for manual adjustments. For full-image edits, the AI also offers combined effects to enhance photos in one step.

Furthermore, two notable tools from the Google Pixel 9’s Magic Editor, Reimagine and Auto frame, have also arrived in the Google Photos app. Reimagine uses generative AI to transform certain elements of a scene, such as changing an overcast sky to a sunny one. Auto frame helps users crop images automatically for better composition. These tools join traditional manual controls like brightness and contrast in the editor.

Google Photos QR Codes Sharing Feature

In addition to editing upgrades, Google has introduced a faster way to share albums with people nearby. Users can now create a QR code that others can scan to access the album directly. This method also allows invited users to contribute photos to the shared album.

The rollout of these features is already underway. The QR code sharing option is now available to all users, following an early preview through an APK teardown last month. The redesigned photo editor will start reaching Android devices running version 8 or newer in June, with plans to extend availability to iOS devices later this year. This update aims to enhance user experience by combining simplicity and powerful AI in everyday photo editing tasks.

The QR code sharing feature has started rolling out to all Google Photos users, following a preview found in an APK teardown last month, Android Authority reported. The redesigned photo editor will roll out starting in June to Android devices running version 8 or later. iOS users can expect the update later in the year.

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