Google Photos is now rolling out its AI-powered editing tools to users in India, bringing a new level of intuitive photo manipulation to Android devices. This update, powered by Gemini, allows users to edit their images using simple voice or text commands, replacing the traditional method of manually adjusting sliders and settings.
The "Help me edit" feature, initially launched with the Pixel 10 series and later expanded to the US, is now more widely available in India. To use this feature, users can open a photo and tap "Help me edit," and then simply describe the desired changes. Google Photos will then use AI to bring the user's vision to life.
This update introduces three primary tools designed to streamline the editing process:
- Conversational Editing: Users can input natural language commands to execute specific edits, such as "make the background blurry," "remove the glare," or "make the colors pop". This eliminates the need to navigate through various tools and sliders manually.
- Personalized Edits: Utilizing facial recognition data, this tool addresses specific issues in group photos. Users can request changes like "remove [Name]'s sunglasses" or "make [Name] smile," with the software generating edits based on existing reference photos.
- Nano Banana: This feature focuses on generative transformations and stylistic changes. Users can describe a new visual style or comprehensive alteration, and the software generates the transformation within seconds.
Google has outlined several scenarios where these conversational tools can be utilized, ranging from basic restoration to complex generative edits. These include cleaning up distractions, sharpening faded images, expanding photo framing, adding studio-style lighting, inserting new elements into a scene, or even creating fantastical edits.
To ensure accessibility across the region, these features launch with support for English and six Indian languages: Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Bengali, and Gujarati.
These new Gemini-powered features are available on Android devices meeting the following specifications:
- RAM: 4 GB or higher
- Operating System: Android 8.0 or higher
Google is also adding support for C2PA Content Credentials in Google Photos to ensure transparency on AI-generated content. This attaches a permanent digital label showing a modified image's origin.
With edits running on-device, images aren't sent to the cloud for processing. This offers a faster and more private experience, available even with spotty connectivity.
The new editing experience delivers prompt-based editing designed for everyday photos, such as cleaning up distracting objects, reducing blur, fixing exposure, or restoring old prints. It also handles more specific edits such as opening closed eyes, tweaking a subject's pose, or removing reflections on glasses.
