Google Photos is set to receive an update that will give users access to a range of creative tools, including a built-in collage editor, as well as an improved Memories feature with photo effects. Brand new cinematic photos and music support. The company announced the changes earlier this week. It will be rolling out to users as part of a larger upgrade to Google Photos’ Memories feature, which was first introduced to users in 2019. The search giant also revealed that the Memories feature currently has over 3.5 million monthly views.
The company announced in a blog post that they have improved the Memories feature that allows users to look back at their timeline of older photos through a cinematic audiovisual experience, similar to Stories and Memories on Instagram and Facebook. Google Photos’ Memories will now automatically select and crop the best excerpts using machine learning, according to the company.
Google also says that the updated version of the Memories feature will also start using the instrument. Meanwhile, the service will compile multiple rendered 3D models of stills with background music in the “Cinematic Photos” visual effects feature.
According to Google, still images in Memories will also immerse users more with subtly magnified video effects automatically.
Google Photos is also adding support for an inbuilt collage editor called Styles, where users can edit collages via grid arrangement and even add backgrounds. The company says that the Styles feature is inspired by old scrapbooks, where graphic art is automatically added to memories in an effort to make them stand out.
Users will also be able to easily share Memories, but the company says that sharing is currently limited to Android and will soon be deployed on iOS and Web.
Google One subscribers and Pixels Phone users will also be able to use additional editing features like Portrait Light or HDR in their collages and access over 30 additional designs. The premiere will feature limited-time styles by featured artists Shantell Martin and Lisa Congdon.
The company also confirmed that users will continue to have control over whether photos of certain people or periods of time are hidden in Memories. According to Google, the latest update will be rolled out to Google users in phases.
