Google Unveils Gemini Integration in Photos App for Enhanced Photo Search Using Prompts
Almost a year after introducing the Ask Photos feature at the I/O developer conference in May 2024, Google has provided more detailed information on its functionality. This feature serves as an extension of Google Photos, enabling the on-device AI assistant, Gemini, to access a user’s image library and respond to photo-related queries. Although early access began in September last year, the company has now clarified the working specifics and its availability.
Gemini-Powered Ask Photos Feature: How Does It Work?
As per a recent support document published by Google, the Ask Photos feature is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms. Users must have the Gemini and Google Photos apps installed on their device, with Gemini Apps Activity (previously known as Gemini Extensions) activated. Furthermore, both apps must have the same account logged in for the feature to work effectively. Once these requirements are met, users can begin utilizing this innovative functionality.
How to Use the Feature
The tech company explains that users can instruct the Gemini app to locate images within their Google Photos library. To ensure Gemini focuses on the images stored in Google Photos, users can include prompts such as @Google Photos or “my photos.” Some examples of effective prompts include:
- Find my photos of Alex
- Show my photos from last summer
- Show me recent selfies
- Show my photos from my most recent trip
- Find my photos of landscapes
This integration allows users to pose conversational queries that help filter specific images stored in their cloud library. Users can formulate detailed questions that may involve several sentences or opt for general, straightforward natural language prompts. This flexibility enables the AI to retrieve the correct image more accurately. If the AI does not locate the requested photo on the first attempt, users can make follow-up inquiries to refine the search.
Types of Queries
Users can ask various types of questions based on:
- The faces or relationships identified in the Photos app
- The location or date when a particular photo was taken
- Descriptions of the content visible in the photo
- The current ongoing conversation with the Gemini mobile app
This thoughtful integration aims to simplify the search for personal memories while promoting ease of use. The Ask Photos tool demonstrates how AI technology can enhance everyday tasks and improve user experiences in image management.
