Google Photos is getting five new exciting features that make the app more useful beyond simply storing your photos. The latest additions include Gemini-powered photo organisation, a digital wardrobe, new editing styles, Remix templates and a more capable Markup tool.
Gemini can now do more with your photo library
The biggest update is Photos in Gemini Spark, which can select, brighten and share family portraits using a single prompt. For eligible Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US, this means you can ask Gemini to work with your photo library instead of manually searching through hundreds of pictures.
I think this is where Google Photos is heading anyway. Most people have years of photos sitting in the app but rarely go back to find them. Being able to simply describe what you want could make that library much more useful.
Google Photos is turning into a digital wardrobe
The new Wardrobe feature automatically identifies clothes appearing in your photos and creates a digital collection of them. You can then mix and match pieces, create outfits and even virtually try them on.
This is probably the most unique feature; users will be able to mix and match the outfits virtually without trying them one by one. It is available to eligible users in India, the US and Brazil on Android and iOS.
Moods brings more personality to photo editing
Google is also adding Moods, which applies styles such as 35mm film and 2000s digicam looks while adapting them to the image. Unlike simply applying a fixed filter, Google says the styles intelligently adjust to the photos.
This is a small update, but probably one I would use more often than some of the AI features. A good film style can change the feel of an ordinary photo without making you spend time adjusting every setting manually. Moods is available globally on Android.
15 new Remix templates make photos more shareable
Google Photos is also adding 15 new Remix templates that can turn regular pictures into things such as red carpet moments, birthday cards and photo booth shots.
This feels aimed squarely at people who want quick social media content without opening another editing app. It is not a major change to Photos, but the convenience could make it useful for casual editing.
Markup finally gets some useful upgrades
The Markup tool is getting a redact pen for blurring sensitive information, more precise thickness controls for sketches and new fonts for adding text.
The redact tool is the one I find most practical here. Photos are often shared quickly through WhatsApp or social media, and having a simple way to hide private information before sending them can save an extra trip to another editing app. The upgraded Markup tool is rolling out globally on Android.
