Google Launches AI-Driven Ask Photos Feature Across the US

First unveiled at Google’s I/O developer conference this May, the AI-powered search feature “Ask Photos” for Google Photos will start rolling out to users on Thursday. Initially, this innovative feature will be available in “early access” to a select group of customers in the U.S. before being offered to a larger audience.

Utilizing Google’s Gemini AI model, Ask Photos allows users to search their photo library using natural language queries. This capability enhances the AI's understanding of photo content and metadata. Previously, users could look for specific people, locations, or objects, but the new AI upgrade enables them to ask more intricate questions that require deeper contextual understanding.

For instance, as demonstrated by Google at the I/O event, a user can inquire about the “best photo from each of the National Parks I visited.” The AI assesses various criteria to determine the “best” photos, such as lighting quality, sharpness, and background clarity, while considering the geolocation of the images taken in National Parks.

Moreover, Google highlights that this feature serves purposes beyond simple photo retrieval. Users can ask insightful questions to receive helpful answers. For example, a parent could query Google Photos about the themes used for their child’s last four birthdays. The AI analyzes the birthday photos to identify potential themes like “mermaid,” “princess,” or “superhero” and inform the parent about the last time those themes were utilized.

In addition, Ask Photos can assist with recalling specific events—users could ask questions like “What did we order last time at this restaurant?” if they frequently photograph their meals. Alternatively, they could inquire, “Where did we camp last time in Yosemite?” This feature also helps compile photos for albums or summarizes activities from a recent trip.

The AI is designed to understand the context of your photo collection, including key individuals in your life, your hobbies, favorite foods, and other significant memories.

To access Ask Photos, select U.S. users can find this feature in Google Labs, as it remains in the experimental phase. Google states that the development of this feature adheres to its AI Principles, ensuring that personal data within Google Photos will not be used for targeted advertising. However, Google employees may review user queries to refine the AI over time. Responses generated by the AI will not be evaluated by humans unless the user seeks support, provides feedback, or reports concerns.

Interested users can join the waitlist for early access to Ask Photos.