Google has begun testing a new AI-based image search feature called Ask Photos in its Google Photos service. Some users of the service have started receiving invitations to test a beta version of this new feature, which has undergone some changes since its announcement. This tool's functionality goes beyond merely finding photos; it also includes extracting and presenting information from stored images.
Google has not officially launched the feature yet, as it is not fully ready and disappears shortly after appearing. However, experimenting with the feature allows users to understand how to use it. Google has introduced improvements to the new feature since its announcement in mid-May during the Google I/O 2024 developers conference. Initially, the feature had a dedicated tab within the Google Photos app. Now, Ask Photos appears as a prominent button next to the search box in the "Search" tab. The feature will also suggest names of various people identified in the photos to enhance performance.
When clicking the Ask Photos button, a new screen will appear displaying the Gemini logo, suggested questions, and an option to write a custom question. The initiation of the feature's testing indicates that its launch is near, although the company has not provided a specific date, stating only that it will arrive "in the coming months." This tool represents an evolution of the classic image search tool in Google Photos, leveraging the power of Google's large language models (LLMs) to significantly enhance search capabilities. The tool will be able to understand complex requirements for finding images and the information available within them.
