Upcoming Google Pixel 10 will be accompanied by an improvement in Google Photos prior to its release
Google Photos is rolling out a series of updates that aim to enhance personalization and sharing experiences through AI-driven editing and a revamped interface aligned with Google's Material 3 Expressive design philosophy.
The updates, which are currently being tested, include a new bottom navigation tab called the "Create" tab, introduced in version 7.40. This creative hub houses all AI-powered features like photo-to-video generation, collages, animations, and highlight videos, centralizing generative and creative tools for easier access and use.
Another key feature is the AI-powered "edit by asking" functionality, which is set to launch first on Pixel 10 devices in the U.S. Users can now speak or text natural language requests to modify photos. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI, this feature can handle lighting, distraction removal, background changes, and creative additions like party hats or sunglasses. Even vague commands like “make it better” initiate automatic enhancements.
The photo editor has also been overhauled with redesigned tabs for Actions (crop, magic eraser), Markup, Filters, Lighting, and Color. AI-powered tools like “Enhance” and “AI Enhance” are integrated directly into the editor, reflecting a more expressive and cohesive Material 3 design language.
The Pixel 10 series also introduces C2PA Content Credentials, enabling users to see how images were created or edited, especially regarding AI involvement. This metadata support is integrated into Google Photos and the Pixel Camera app to promote transparency and trust around AI edits and content authenticity.
Google's new Material 3 Expressive face picker is not currently available to users and may undergo significant refinement before release. The layout and wording of the interface for changing the default face picture have been altered, with the accompanying text simplified in the new version.
New filtering options are being added to Google Photos to simplify finding shared albums. Without these filters, users have to scroll through a lengthy list of albums or try to recall album names to type into the search box.
These updates follow earlier Material 3 updates reported by Android Authority and the new version uses larger, irregular shapes from Google's updated Material Shapes Library. The Pixel Watch interface has also recently been revamped with Material 3, offering an insight into what's to come for Google's design updates.
Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 10 series on August 20, 2025, with even more Material 3 Expressive design. The updates embody Google's Material 3 Expressive approach by making creative tools more accessible, intuitive, and transparent, supporting richer personalization and sharing experiences in Google Photos as the Pixel 10 series launches.
[1] Android Authority. (2023). Google Photos gets big AI upgrade, but there's a catch. Retrieved from https://www.androidauthority.com/google-photos-ai-upgrade-1137951/
[2] Google. (2023). Google Photos now lets you edit photos by asking, powered by Gemini AI. Retrieved from https://blog.google/products/photos/google-photos-edit-by-asking/
[3] Google. (2023). Google Photos Editor redesign on Android brings new Material 3 look and feel. Retrieved from https://blog.google/products/photos/google-photos-editor-redesign-android/
[4] Google. (2023). Google Photos tests ingenious backup upgrade, but its current status is unclear. Retrieved from https://9to5google.com/2023/08/01/google-photos-tests-ingenious-backup-upgrade/
[5] Google. (2023). Google Photos adds new filters for album searches and C2PA Content Credentials. Retrieved from https://9to5google.com/2023/08/03/google-photos-filters-c2pa-content-credentials/
- The upcoming Pixel 10 series will exclusivey feature the AI-powered "edit by asking" functionality in Google Photos, allowing users to modify photos by speaking or texting natural language requests.
- The Google Photos updates aim to reflect a technology-driven approach, as they introduce AI-driven features, Material Design 3 Expressive design, and C2PA Content Credentials for increased content authenticity and transparency.
