Google Unveils Free AI-Powered Editing Tools in Google Photos, Including Magic Editor for All Users

Google Photos Offers Exciting AI Enhancements for All Users

Google Photos is receiving a significant AI update! On Wednesday, the tech giant announced the introduction of several advanced editing features that were once exclusive to Pixel devices and paid subscribers. Now, these tools, including the innovative AI-driven Magic Editor, will be available to all Google Photos users at no cost. This rollout also includes the widely popular Magic Eraser for eliminating unwanted elements from images, Photo Unblur for sharpening blurred photos using machine learning, and Portrait Light for adjusting the light source in images after they’ve been taken.

Historically, these editing features have been major selling points for Google's premium Pixel phones and incentives for users subscribing to Google One, Google’s cloud storage service. However, with the surge in AI photo editing tools coming into the market, Google has decided to broaden access to its editing features for everyone.

Important Details About Feature Rollout

Before diving into the edits, there are a few important details to note:

- The new tools will begin rolling out on May 15, but it may take several weeks for all Google Photos users to gain access.

- Certain hardware requirements must be met to utilize these features effectively. For ChromeOS users, a Chromebook Plus with ChromeOS version 118 or above, or a device with at least 3GB of RAM, is necessary. Mobile users will need devices running Android 8.0 or later, or iOS 15 or higher.

- Pixel tablets are also included in this update.

Spotlight on Magic Editor

Among the new features, the Magic Editor stands out. Launched with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, this tool employs generative AI for sophisticated photo edits. Users can fill in gaps, reposition subjects, and make various adjustments in both the foreground and background. With Magic Editor, transforming a gray sky into a vibrant blue, removing unwanted individuals from a scene, or refocusing a subject while filling in background gaps has never been easier—all automated through AI.

In the past, achieving similar results would have relied on a combination of Magic Eraser and more complex editing software, like Photoshop, requiring significant manual effort.

Access for All Google Photos Users

With this exciting expansion, Magic Editor will be available to all Pixel devices, while iOS and Android users with compatible phones will receive up to 10 Magic Editor saves per month. To access additional saves, a Premium Google One plan will be required, which includes 2TB of storage or more.

All Google Photos users, regardless of whether they have a Google One subscription, will be able to utilize other tools in this update, such as Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Sky Suggestions, Color Pop, HDR effects for both photos and videos, Portrait Blur, Portrait Light (plus features for adding or balancing light), Cinematic Photos, Styles in the Collage Editor, and Video Effects.

Notably, some features like the AI-powered Best Take, which combines multiple images to create the perfect shot where everyone is smiling, will remain exclusive to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.