Experience Google’s Gemini-Powered Photo Search: Now Available in Early Access!

Google is rolling out exciting AI-powered upgrades to its Photos app. The Gemini-powered chatbot, Ask Photos, is now available in early access for select users in the US, allowing for ultra-specific and conversational photo searches. Additionally, a significant enhancement is underway that enables users to utilize more descriptive queries in Google Photos; this feature is now being rolled out to all English-speaking users.

With the improved search functionality, users can now enter detailed queries to find specific images. For instance, instead of simply searching for "lake," you can type "kayaking on a lake surrounded by mountains." Similarly, rather than just looking for your friend Alice, you can search for "Alice and me laughing." This upgrade is designed to help users easily navigate their growing cloud-based photo libraries.

Ask Photos, first introduced at Google I/O in May, takes this experience a step further. It adds a dedicated tab to the Google Photos app where users can ask natural language questions about their photo library. For example, you might say, "Show me the best photo from each national park I’ve visited," allowing the tool to use location data and subjective analysis to generate results. Other queries might include “What did we eat at the hotel in Stanley?” or “Where did we camp last time we went to Yosemite?”

Like many chatbots, Ask Photos can handle follow-up questions, enabling you to refine your requests if the initial response isn't quite right. Google assures users that their Photos data will not be used for advertising purposes. While human reviewers may occasionally assess queries, they'll be dissociated from individual Google accounts, ensuring your privacy.

If you're in the US and eager to try Ask Photos, you can sign up for the waitlist for early access starting today. In the meantime, the enhanced search capabilities are now rolling out for English-speaking users on both Android and iOS devices.