Google Photos is making it easier to create and edit videos directly inside the app, with new tools focused on speed, simplicity, and customization. Users can still create a highlight video by heading to the Create tab and selecting “highlight video,” then choosing the photos and videos they want. Google Photos automatically combines them into a single video.

The update adds five key features designed to improve the overall editing experience.

First, Google Photos is introducing ready-made templates, rolling out on Android. These templates come with preset layouts that include built-in music, text, and automatic cuts that are synced to a soundtrack. Users only need to select a template and choose their photos and videos. The app then creates a shareable video that matches the rhythm of the music. More templates are expected to be added over time.

Second, Google has rolled out a redesigned video editor on both Android and iOS. The updated editor is faster and easier to use, with a single universal timeline that supports editing across multiple clips. This makes it simpler to arrange clips and build a clear story. The editor also includes an adaptive canvas that adjusts automatically, helping users edit more comfortably. Key editing tools are placed in familiar locations, reducing time spent navigating menus.

Third, users can now add music more easily. Google Photos offers a built-in music library that can be browsed directly within the editor. This feature is available on Android and iOS and allows users to pick soundtracks that fit the mood of their highlight videos.

Fourth, Google Photos adds more text options on Android. Users can place text overlays on videos and customize them using new fonts, colors, and background styles. This helps add context or titles that are clear and easy to read.

Finally, the redesigned editor is now the default video editor for individual clips on Android. Users can open any video, tap edit, and quickly add music or text to a single clip.

All of these features are already available or currently rolling out, giving users full video creation tools within Google Photos.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories!

(Source)

The post Google Photos Gets New Templates, Music Library, and Text Tools for Videos appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos has released new updates to improve how users edit both HDR and SDR images.

HDR photos will now keep their full dynamic range and important HDR metadata even after using editing tools like Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Portrait Light. This means edited HDR images will keep their original contrast, brightness, and detail when viewed on HDR-capable screens.

A new “Ultra HDR” tool has also been added. It lets users adjust the brightness of their photos more precisely. This helps users get the exact look they want. Along with this change, the old “HDR” tool has been renamed to “Tone” to better describe its role in adjusting light and contrast.

Another part of the update is the ability to enhance SDR photos to HDR. This boosts brightness, contrast, and clarity, making older or standard images look sharper and more vibrant on modern displays that support HDR.

Google hasn’t confirmed if the rollout is tied to an app update or a server-side change, but the features are gradually appearing for Google Photos users with HDR-capable screens.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories.

(Source)

The post New Google Photos Features Help Preserve HDR Quality After Edits appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos just turned 10 years old, and the numbers are huge. The app now has 1.5 billion users storing over 9 trillion photos and videos.

Every month, people do 370 million searches, share 440 million memories, and edit 210 million photos on the platform. Google marked the anniversary by adding new features and sharing 10 tips to help users.

New AI Editor: Google redesigned the photo editor to put AI suggestions and manual tools in one place. The Reimagine and Auto frame features from Pixel 9 phones are coming to more Android devices next month. iPhone users will get them later this year.

QR Code Album Sharing: You can now create a QR code to share photo albums instantly. People just scan the code to see photos or add their own – perfect for events and gatherings.

Places Tab for Travel Photos: There’s a new Places section under Collections that shows your photos on a map. This makes it easy to look back at trips and see where you took photos.

Better Search: Search got smarter. You can now find photos using natural phrases like “me in a sparkly blue dress” or “Alice at the beach.” This works as long as you’ve labeled faces in the People & Pets section.

Auto-Created Memories: Google Photos automatically makes monthly and yearly photo collections. These are easy to share and help you relive old memories without doing any work.

Highlight Videos: You can make short video montages by tapping the “+” button and selecting “Highlight video.” Pick people, pets, or places, and Google Photos creates the video for you.

Auto-Updated Shared Albums: Shared albums can now update themselves when you add new photos of specific people or pets.

Grid Controls: New grid options let you clean up your photo feed by hiding memes, GIFs, and grouping similar photos together.

Memory Settings: You can hide certain people, pets, or dates from your memories. You can also switch between time-based and themed memory formats.

Free Up Phone Storage: Tap your profile picture and select “Free up space” to delete photos already backed up to the cloud, giving you more room on your phone.

Availability

Instant album sharing via QR codes is now rolling out, with the redesigned photo editor launching on Android in June 2025. The iOS update is scheduled for later this year.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

(Source)

The post Google Photos Announces Major Update with AI-Powered Editor and Sharing Tools appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google added a number of AI-based photo editing features to Google Photos that were initially limited to select Pixel and Galaxy devices. However, back in April, the company announced that it would make the AI-based editing tools available for each and every Google Photos user. “It’s really exciting that so many more people will be able to use these tools,” says Google Photos senior product manager Selena Shang. Google has reportedly worked on the AI tools to make sure that they work properly on a variety of devices.

In a recent blog post, the company also explained how to make the most of tools such as Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and more, which you can also find in this article.

Make the most of Magic Editor’s Erase tool and Magic Eraser:

Magic Editor comes with a suite of features, one of them being a generative AI-powered Erase tool. According to the company, both Magic Editor’s Erase feature and Magic Eraser can help you remove unwanted items from an image. However, they each excel in different ways.

“Magic Eraser works best for quick fixes on smaller portions of the photo,” Selena says. According to her, Magic Eraser could be appropriate for removing people or objects in the background of landscape shots. But if you have more prominent, complex foreground objects, or objects that take up a larger portion of the photo in general that you want to remove, Magic Editor’s generative AI is going to be more effective at filling the space, she explained. The latter one should offer better results with “more complex erases”.

When to tap, brush, or circle items in Magic Editor?

There are three different ways you can select an object while using Magic Editor – tapping, brushing or circling. According to the company, certain methods work best for certain types of selection. Objects with clear boundaries, like a water bottle in the foreground, are usually easier to tap. However, for objects with less distinct edges, like the leaves that make up a tree, it may be simpler to select them by circling or brushing. Users can also zoom in to select the object with a higher precision.

There is also a strength slider that lets you adjust the intensity of the edits. You can always play around with it to fine-tune the result. “After applying Portrait Light, I’ll play with the strength because sometimes I want the effect to be a little more subtle,” Selena says. This is also appropriate for Photo Unblur, where AI will make the subject look more detailed. However, you may prefer to leave a bit of fuzziness for an artistic look, for which you can adjust the strength of the effect.

The post Google Photos’ AI editing tools are now for everyone: Here’s how to make the most of it appeared first on Gizmochina.

First up today, the CMF Phone 1 is packing a secret superpower that’s straight out of a spy movie. Its depth sensor can see through thin objects! But don’t get too excited – this accidental X-ray vision is about to disappear faster than you can say “privacy concerns.” We’ll dive into the details and why Nothing is pulling the plug on this unexpected feature.

Meanwhile, Google’s caught in a game of “who wore it better” with their upcoming Photos feature. Is it innovation or imitation? We’ve got the scoop on the controversy that’s got a plucky startup crying foul.

And for all you Nokia fans feeling nostalgic, HMD’s got a treat in store. They’re bringing back the Lumia look, and we’ve got the leaked renders to prove it. Is this the comeback Nokia needs to reclaim its throne?

More details on the above stories are in today’s newsletter below.

CMF Phone 1’s depth sensor can see through thin objects, but not for long

The CMF Phone 1, lauded for being a quirky and budget-friendly Android option, has a surprising party trick – its depth sensor can see through objects. It’s an unexpected feature that users cannot access via the default camera app, they rather need a third-party app. However, due to privacy concerns, Nothing has confirmed they will disable this feature via a software update.

Read more

Google Photos’ upcoming “My Week” feature draws accusations of copying from startup Retro

Back in January, there was a report thatuncovered hints of a new feature in development for Google Photos called “My Week”. Recently, the publication was also able to enable it through an APK teardown, which shows the feature to be strikingly similar to the core functionality of the photo-sharing app Retro.

Read more

HMD’s Nokia Lumia 920-inspired phone leaks in official render via retailer listing

HMD Global has been rumored to be working on a phone inspired by the classic Nokia Lumia 920. Now, a listing from a Belgian retailer appears to have given us the clearest look yet at this device called the HMD Skyline.

Read more

Upcoming Smartphones: OnePlus Nord 4, Honor 200, and more

Four companies have scheduled smartphone launches for next week. Out of these, three of them will take place in India, while the last one is meant for all markets.

The three brands that will debut phones in India are iQOO, Samsung, and Honor. The handsets they will announce are already official in other markets or under a different name.

Read more

More Top Stories You Might Have Missed

Honor launches Haylou Watch Vitality Edition with 1.95″ AMOLED display, satellite positioning & more

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Doraemon Limited Edition launched in Hong Kong, available for pre-order

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra drops to Rs 84,999 (~$1,018) on Amazon India

Nothing sells over 100,000 units of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 in just three hours

The post GC Daily: CMF Phone 1’s depth sensor can see through thin objects, Google Photos “My Week” feature draws accusations of copying appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos is getting a major upgrade! Following earlier reports hinting at potentially offering the Magic Editor for free to all users, Google now has announced it’s making several AI-powered editing tools, previously exclusive to Pixel phones and Google One subscribers, free for all users starting May 15th.

Free AI Editing Tools for Everyone: Google Photos Gets a Big Upgrade

Magic Eraser, a favorite for removing unwanted objects from photos, is now free for all Google Photos users. The tool can remove anything that disrupts your perfect shot, including people in the background, power lines, or anything else.

But that’s not all. Google is also making Photo Unblur free, which sharpens blurry photos using machine learning. Plus, you’ll get features like HDR effect for photos and videos, Portrait Light for adjusting light in portraits, and Color Pop to make specific colors stand out.

Alongside these tools, Google is also making the popular Magic Editor free. This tool uses advanced AI to allow you to make complex edits. You can reposition subjects, change the sky, fill in gaps, and more. Previously only on Pixel 8 phones, Magic Editor will now be available on all Pixel devices.

For everyone else (Android and iOS users with compatible devices), Google offers 10 free Magic Editor edits per month. You’ll need a Google One Premium plan (with at least 2TB of storage) if you need more.

These new features will be available on various devices, including Android phones running 8.0 or later, iPhones with iOS 15 or later (with at least 3GB of RAM), and even Pixel tablets. The rollout starts May 15th, so you might not see them immediately, but they’ll be arriving over the next few weeks.

Google’s decision to make these powerful AI tools free reflects the growing popularity of photo editing. With this move, Google Photos becomes an even more attractive option for anyone who wants to enhance their photos without the hassle of complex software.

RELATED:

• Google Unveils Axion Processors: Custom Arm-Based CPUs for Powerful and Sustainable Data Centers
• Google Pixel 9 reference surface within Google App
• Get Redmi K70 Pro for discounted price of $499
• Xiaomi Band 8 Genshin Impact custom edion get a huge discount
• Best of MWC 2024: AI Phone, Transparent Laptop, 3D Tablet & More

The post Google Photos makes AI editing tools free for everyone appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos never misses a chance to impress users with new features and photo enhancement tools. Following some recent updates to our favorite gallery app, it has now received the much-awaited Photos Stack feature. It lets users stack similar photos into a single group on their smartphone.

The feature has already been live on Apple smartphones and tablets since November last year, and now Android users would be delighted to enjoy this new yet useful feature. Photos Stack Future lets the user declutter the gallery and group similar photos under a single thumbnail. It would be easier now for users to scroll through the Photos app without going through similarly snapped photos.

Enable Photos Stack on Android Smartphones

The Photos Stack feature can be easily enabled by heading to Photos Settings > Preferences > Stack Similar Photos. Otherwise, the Google Photos app will also ask you to enable the feature via a pop-up once you update the app from the Play Store. It is seen working on Google Photos version 6.66.0.597410323. Once activated, photos grouped as stacks will appear as a single thumbnail in grid view. The stack can be identified by an icon in the upper-right corner of the thumbnail.

Like the burst photos in Google Photos, the new Photo Stack feature will also show a single thumbnail with a specific icon on the top, upper right corner to distinguish it. Upon opening the Photos Stack, users would be able to see all the images in a strip from left to right. Moreover, users can select a top pick, delete unwanted images, or choose specific images for deletion.

The feature supports sharing the entire stack or just the top pick with family and friends. For those who find the option inconvenient, it can be turned off in settings or by choosing the “Unstack photos” option. The rollout of Photo Stacks may take a few days.

Related:

• Google Photos adds the ability to Backup RAW Photos
• Google Messages gains Ultra HDR Image support for RCS chats
• Unlock Savings: Discount on Every Giztop Product under the New Year Sale 
• Big Discount: AOOSTAR R1 N100 NAS Mini PC Only For $159
• Best VR / AR Headsets of 2023
• Best Robot Vacuums of 2023

The post Photos Stack Feature on Google Photos Goes Live for Android appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google is reportedly rolling out a new feature to back up RAW Photos on Google Photos App. The new feature is already rolling out to both the Android and iOS apps. RAW Photos are unprocessed images that carry more details and are used by professional photographers to grade or better edit the photos.

Must See: Google Photos ‘Locked Folder’ feature finally comes to non-Pixel users

These days RAW Photos on smartphones have become standard due to extensive support from the respective camera apps. Unlike in the past, the Google Photos app by default uploads the RAW Photos to the Google Cloud. A notice appeared in the app stating, “Google Photos brings Ability to backup Raw Images.”

A dedicated RAW image badge appears on the Photos. However, the feature is currently spotted on the Pixel 8 series and is absent on Pixel Fold and other devices. Despite any official announcements from Google, the details about the new features, availability, and compatibility are currently unknown.

There are no settings or tweaks to stop the Photos app from uploading the RAW files to Google Storage. Even heading to the Storage option in the Photos Preference > Backup > Backup Quality does not avail any solution. With the available 15GB of free storage, the RAW Photos will surely fill up the storage pretty quickly. It is highly recommended only for photographers who use it for professional use.

Google Photos is rolling out several new user-centric features to amplify the overall experience. Recently, a revamped share menu was introduced in the Google Photos app which lets users send images, create a new album, and add new images to the album. The Giant even introduced desktop editing tools that let users choose different filters, and offer basic tweaks like changing brightness, saturation, HDR levels, etc.

Related:

• Oppo Find N3 appears in real-life photos, revealing new color, weight, and thickness
• Google Photos App Might Get a New Face-based Search Tool
• Ultra HDR support coming to Google Photos with Android 14
• Google Photos Update Brings Exciting New Movie Editor Feature to Chromebooks

The post Google Photos adds the ability to Backup RAW Photos appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google announced at Google I/O in May 2023 that Android 14 would support Ultra HDR format for photos and videos. This format, which was introduced in Android 14 Beta 2, supports 10-bit HDR images and is said to be fully compatible with standard JPEG images. This means that Ultra HDR images can be displayed on both non-HDR and HDR screens. On non-HDR screens, the images will be displayed in SDR, but on HDR screens, the colors and contrast will pop.

Google is now reportedly testing Ultra HDR support for Google Photos, according to AssembleDebug. The evidence for this comes from a new build code version, v6.51.0.561138754, that was spotted in Google Photos in late August. AssembleDebug found the code version with a few strings pointing at Ultra HDR support for Google Photos.

HDR, or high dynamic range, provides better image and video quality than SDR, or standard dynamic range, by displaying a wider range of colors and brightness. 

Smartphones these days have all the latest features, including cameras and displays that support HDR standards. This is why it’s great that UltraHDR is coming to Google Photos. UltraHDR will allow you to take full advantage of your phone’s camera and display, and it will also retain the JPEG format, so your photos will still look great on older devices.

Apparently, Google is working with chip giants like Qualcomm to optimize their SoCs for UltraHDR. They are also making UltraHDR the default format for uploading, backing up, editing, sharing, and downloading photos in Google Photos.

Related:

• Samsung’s OneUI Watch 5 Brings Google’s Watch Unlock Feature
• Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro European price leaks in a fresh leak
• Jabra Elite 10 launched: Brand’s latest premium TWS earbuds
• Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds with Adaptive Hybrid ANC & IP68 waterproofing launched

(Via)

The post Ultra HDR support coming to Google Photos with Android 14 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos is a widely-used cloud-based photo management and storage service provided by Google. One of its standout features is its robust editing tools, which allow users to enhance and customize their photos with ease. Google Photos offers a variety of editing options, including basic adjustments like cropping, rotating, and straightening, as well as advanced editing features such as filters, exposure adjustments, and color correction. Additionally, users can leverage the app’s AI-powered tools, such as Magic Eraser to automatically enhance their photos or apply artistic effects.

Some of the advanced editing options will require Google One Membership

In an exciting announcement, the Google Photos team took to Twitter to unveil a host of new editing tools for Google Photos on the web. Previously available exclusively on the mobile app, these powerful tools, including Portrait Light, Portrait Blur, Dynamic, Color Pop, HDR, and Sky, are now making their debut appearance on the website. This expansion is set to enhance photo editing capabilities for users, allowing them to transform their images with greater flexibility and creative control.

However, it’s important to note that there are a few important considerations to keep in mind before diving into these new features. As Google has clarified on its help page, some of these tools will require a Google One membership when accessing the app on a computer. Additionally, to ensure a smooth experience, Google recommends that your computer is equipped with at least 4GB of RAM, and your browser is updated to the latest version. These system requirements are necessary to fully leverage the potential of the editing tools and ensure optimal performance.

Whether photographers are refining portraits with the advanced Portrait Light and Portrait Blur options, adding a touch of dynamism with the Dynamic feature, or making colors pop with Color Pop, the expanded toolset will help photographers to fine-tune their creative products with precision and ease.

RELATED:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 to get optimized Google apps for outer display
• Google Pixel Watch Is Getting SpO2 Measurement Function
• Best lightweight and durable travel backpacks with smart organization features in 2023

(Via)

The post Google Photos Web Updated with New, Advanced Editing Features appeared first on Gizmochina.

During the highly anticipated Google I/O event, a groundbreaking editing tool known as Magic Editor was introduced by Google. This innovative tool harnesses the power of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the process of photo editing, making it more accessible and user-friendly for individuals of all skill levels.

Google Magic Editor features

The Magic Editor offers an experimental editing experience that aims to simplify the often complex and time-consuming task of editing photos. By leveraging advanced AI techniques, including generative AI, this tool empowers users to achieve professional-level edits without requiring extensive editing expertise.

One of the standout features of the Magic Editor is its ability to enhance the composition of photos. Users can effortlessly reposition subjects within their shots, ensuring the perfect framing and overall aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s removing unwanted objects, adjusting the brightness of the sky to match the desired ambiance, or resizing and relocating the subject, the Magic Editor allows users to bring their vision to life.

Generative AI takes center stage in the Magic Editor’s capabilities, enabling users to fill in the gaps seamlessly after repositioning subjects. For example, if a photo captures a boy’s birthday celebration, the Magic Editor can leverage generative AI to create additional elements like benches and balloons to complete the scene. These newly generated elements blend seamlessly into the original photo, resulting in a polished and cohesive final look.

Magic Editor availability

While initially available to a select group of Pixel phone users later this year, Google plans to refine and enhance the Magic Editor based on user feedback. This iterative approach ensures that users receive the best possible editing experience. The upcoming flagships Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are expected to get this feature first.

The introduction of the Magic Editor marks a significant milestone in the world of photo editing. By combining the power of generative AI with a simplified user interface, Google has made it possible for anyone to effortlessly transform their photos into captivating visual masterpieces. As the Magic Editor continues to evolve, it has the potential to democratize the art of photo editing, empowering users to unleash their creativity and share their unique perspectives with the world.

RELATED:

• Google Pixel Fold Debuts with a Compact Design, Tensor G2 Chip
• Google Pixel Tablet Arrives with Tensor G2 Chip, LCD display, and a Wireless dock
• Google Pixel 7a Launches with a Tensor G2 chip, Wireless charging, 64MP Camera
• Download OnePlus 11R Genshin Impact Edition Wallpapers, Ringtones, and AOD

The post Google unveils Magic Editor: Transform your photos with AI-powered editing appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos is a cloud-based photo-sharing and storage service developed by Google. It allows users to store, share and manage their photos and videos online with unlimited storage space. Google Photos offers various features such as automatic backups, smart organization, and easy photo editing tools. Users can access their photos from any device with an internet connection and can share them with others through links or directly from the app. The app also uses artificial intelligence to create collages, animations, and albums automatically. The company is now updating the tablet version of Google Photos with a new, far better-optimized editing layout.

Google Photos on Tablets will now have Editing Tools on a Side Panel

The app’s layout on tablets and in landscape mode has been a cause of frustration for some users, as it simply stretched out the phone app. Fortunately, the new layout promises to solve this issue and make Google Photos look more like other photo editing apps in editing mode.

The new layout shows the editing tools on a side panel, providing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. This makes it easier to navigate and zoom in and out of pictures while keeping the tools accessible and organized. The familiar enhance, crop, rotate, magic eraser, and color adjustments are still present, making it easy for users to continue using the tools they are accustomed to.

The new tablet editing interface is a welcome addition for users who have been struggling with the app’s layout on larger screens. However, the new layout is not yet available to everyone, and users will need to update to the latest version of the app to enable it. Additionally, the new layout is not applicable in portrait mode, so users will need to switch to landscape mode to take advantage of the new design. Google Photos also got received a new update recently that allows users to enter complex queries in the search bar, allowing them to find pictures in their library faster and more efficiently.

RELATED:

• Google Photos Search Bar now supports Complex Queries
• Transforming the Web: Google Plans to Upgrade Search with AI Chat
• Best iPhone 14 Pro Case 2023 – Apple, Spigen, Casetify & More

(Via)

The post Revamped Google Photos Interface is a Game-Changer for Tablet Users appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos is currently the most popular and arguably the best photo workflow app available, offering features such as photo backup, organization, editing, and sharing on both smartphones and PCs. One of its most notable features is the incredible search tool, which allows users to find old photos and videos simply by typing keywords or searching by date, time, and location. What’s more is that Google Photos’ already powerful search tool is getting even better as it now supports more “complex queries”.

You Can now Put a longer Search Query

As per a 9to5Google report, the Google Photos search bar has been showing users a pop-up about the more powerful search feature. Upon opening the Photos app on the web, users are noticing a “Try a more powerful search” prompt in blue. Google explains the search bar now supports longer search queries with more details to find the closest match. You can now search for phrases like “colorful sunset” and “peaceful garden”.

This will let you search for more specific queries and get more precise results. The publication notes that you can even search for specific objects in a specific context, like searching for photos of dogs in a park. In such cases, Google Photos will prioritize displaying those specific photos at the top of the results.

A Google spokesperson tells 9to5Google that the company is “always experimenting with new ways to help people find and relive their photos and videos. This experiment allows people to search for more complex queries to help them find the photos and videos they’re looking for more easily.” It is worth noting that this feature is currently rolling out to only a small number of users. A wider rollout should start soon.

RELATED:

• iPhone 14 Deal Price Revealed During Upcoming Amazon Summer Sale In India
• NYC is giving out 500 Apple AirTags for free to combat car theft
• Apple’s Safari Outshines Microsoft Edge in Desktop Browser Race
• Here’s Probably Why You Should Avoid Buying Samsung ACs in India
• Best ChatGPT Prompts for Web Developers

(Source)

The post Google Photos Search Bar now supports Complex Queries appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last year, Google hinted at giving Chromebooks new movie editing tools through Google Photos. The wait is finally over as these features have started rolling out to users. This exciting update brings an intuitive movie editor to Chromebooks, enabling users to create and edit movies with just a few clicks.

New Movie Editor and Video Editing Features on Google Photos

In an announcement on the Google Photos community page, the company revealed that it has started rolling out new video editing features for Google Photos on Chromebooks. With these features, users can now effortlessly use images and videos from their Chromebook and edit them directly within Google Photos.

The new movie editor provides users with two options: create a movie from scratch or choose a preset suggested theme. If users opt for the former, they have the freedom to select any media from their gallery and make adjustments to images or scenes using the built-in editor. On the other hand, if they choose a suggested theme, the feature will automatically select videos and images based on the chosen theme, but users can still swap out and edit the selections.

Google Photos’ movie editor intelligently selects the most meaningful moments from long videos, ensuring that the final movie is both engaging and memorable. Users can select the theme, people, or pets they want to include, and Google Photos will create a custom movie using both video clips and photos.

Google has designed the movie editor to be user-friendly and accessible, requiring minimal knowledge of movie-making intricacies. With just a few taps, users can create high-quality movies without the need for professional editing software. However, it is essential to note that while the tool is impressive, it may not offer the same level of functionality as more advanced video editing software. To access the new movie editor features, users need to have the Google Photos app installed on their Chromebook. The rollout is currently underway, and users can expect to see the update arriving on their devices in the coming days.

RELATED:

• Best Over the Ear headphones under $100
• Samsung Galaxy S23 series gets massive camera update: What’s new
• Nubia Z50 Ultra Full Review: Men will definitely love it
• Samsung S24 Ultra rumored to feature a 144Hz refresh rate
• Tesla launches ‘GigaBier’: A limited edition $30 beer inspired by the…

(via)

The post Google Photos Update Brings Exciting New Movie Editor Feature to Chromebooks appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google is reportedly working on a new Video Unblur tool, along with a range of video effects for Google Photos, following the successful debut of Photo Unblur on the Pixel 7 series. These new features aim to enhance the user experience, particularly for those with the latest Pixel smartphones. Here are the details…

Google Photos Works on Video Unblur Tool and Effects for Pixel 8 Users

Google Photos first introduced the Photo Unblur tool with the release of the Pixel 7 series. This innovative feature used the Tensor chip’s machine learning capabilities to enhance the sharpness of images. Since its introduction, Photo Unblur has remained exclusive to Google’s latest smartphones, while the Magic Eraser tool, which debuted with the Pixel 6, has been offered as a premium feature on other devices through Google One.

As rumors surrounding the Pixel 8 continue to circulate, it seems that Google is working on extending the unblur tool to videos. Once functional, Video Unblur is expected to use machine learning to give videos a sharper appearance, greatly improving video quality for users. Given Google’s focus on popularizing Photo Unblur with the “Fixed on Pixel” tagline, it is not surprising to see the company working on expanding support for videos. Video Unblur may be another Pixel series exclusive, potentially debuting on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro later this year.

In addition to the Video Unblur tool, Google Photos is also preparing a set of video effects that users can apply when editing a video in the app. This collection of video effects, accessible through a new “Overlays” tab, is designed to enhance creativity and offer more options for personalizing videos. There are 14 video effects currently in development, with some having clear purposes based on their names. For example, the “Chromatic” effect will likely add a chromatic aberration, while “VHS” and “Super 8” are expected to emulate the styles of those iconic video formats.

Google Photos is seemingly gearing up to introduce a Video Unblur tool and a variety of video effects, which could potentially be exclusive features for the Pixel 8 series. If these features are released, they promise to significantly enhance the Google Photos experience for users, particularly for those with the latest Pixel smartphones. As the Pixel 8 launch approaches, the anticipation for these new features and their potential impact on the user experience continues to grow.

RELATED:

• Best Monitors for Xbox Series X 2023
• Google Pixel Fold will reportedly cost much lesser than Galaxy Z Fold 4 &…
• Oppo Announced Pad 2: Book-like Screen and MediaTek Dimensity 9000
• Google Reports 18 Vulnerabilities in Samsung Modems, Pixel Devices Also Affected
• iQOO Z7 Series China Roundup: Specs, Design, & More

(via)

The post Google Photos Develops Video Unblur Tool and Effects for Pixel 8 Series appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi has made some notable changes to the MIUI Gallery in the past. For one, the brand dropped support for the sync feature with Xiaomi Cloud and integrated the gallery with Google Photos backup functionality. Today during the MWC 2023, the brand announced it is taking its partnership with Google Photos even further to bring more features to the MIUI Gallery. Additionally, Xiaomi revealed the latest Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi Pro phones will come with a free 6-month trial of the premium Google One 2 TB plan. Let’s look at the details.

Last year, Xiaomi introduced automatic backup of photos and videos from the MIUI Gallery to Google Photos. Now, Xiaomi and Google are making this integration even smoother by allowing users to view all backed-up content from both platforms directly in the MIUI Gallery and Google Photos apps. This means that users will be able to access all of their media, including the content saved on their phones, in one place, creating a more unified experience.

The seamless integration will make it easier for users to manage their media and access their memories, regardless of where they were originally saved. Furthermore, any edits or deletions made to photos in either the MIUI Gallery or Google Photos will be automatically reflected in the other app. This means that if a user edits or deletes a photo in one app, the changes will instantly appear in the other app as well.

As mentioned, Xiaomi has also announced that the newly-launched Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro will enjoy a free 6-month trial of the Google One 2 TB plan. Additionally, select future Xiaomi phones will arrive with a 100 GB Google One Plan. The plan will include access to features like Magic Eraser, extra Google Meet time, and much more.

RELATED:

• 3 Technologies That Will Transform the Smartphone Industry in the Next 5 Years
• Poco C55 Launched in India with 6.71-inch HD+ display, Helio G85, 5,000mAh Battery and More
• Rumor: Pre-Order Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro and Get a Free 43-Inch Smart TV
• Iconic Nokia Logo Gets a Makeover to Change Identity of the Company

The post Xiaomi & Google Bring New MIUI Gallery Features, Announced 6-month Google One Trial for Xiaomi 13 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos is arguably one of the best photo-storage apps. It comes loaded with a variety of features that make it easier to store, edit, and share pictures. The app also offers impressive search capabilities, allowing you to find images that contain specific objects, places, or people. It seems Google Photos’ search prowess is about to get even better, as the app is reported to be testing a new face-based search tool. Here are the details.

As reported by Android Police, Google is replacing the Lens button on the Photos app with a new generic search shortcut. You might have used the Lens option on the bottom of the screen while looking at a picture. It helps in conducting searches using images instead of words, as well as translating words from pictures that you’ve clicked.

The new search tool that is replacing the Lens tab combines the face recognition features of Google Photos. When you use this feature on an image with a face, the app searches for the same face in other images you’ve taken in the past. However, if you tap on an object in the same photo, you’ll be taken to the full Google Lens app. This new button gives you the option to revisit older pictures, but it isn’t a new feature.

Currently, the new search icon is only available on a limited number of Android devices, so you may still see the Lens tab in your Photos app. If the new feature receives good feedback, Google might roll it out with the next update.

Related

• Google Pixel December 2022 Feature Drop – Check out what’s new
• Google Pixel Fold Codenamed ‘Felix’ Spotted on Geekbench Database
• Apple sold over 4 million AirPods Pro 2 units in just over a week: Report
• Google Pixel December 2022 Feature Drop – Check out what’s new

The post Google Photos App Might Get a New Face-based Search Tool appeared first on Gizmochina.

Android phones continue to evolve both in software and hardware. While manufacturers such as Samsung and Qualcomm largely develop their hardware, Google is responsible for the development of the software. Lastly, the company brings several new features for Android phones and Wear OS smartwatches. These features, which are expected to be available in a short time, will bring many innovations to the Android interface we love.

New Android features on the way

• Add holiday cheer to your photos and messages

Google Photos recently brought styles to collage editor so you can create shareable collages of your favorite snaps to share with friends and family. Lastly, the company added two new artists — Australian husband-and-wife visual duo DABSMYLA and renowned watercolor artist Yao Cheng Design. Just pick your photos, select your design and rearrange the layout with simple drag-and-drop controls.

• Emoji Kitchen also has new emojis

Emoji Kitchen also has new emoji you can mash up into creative sticker combos via Gboard. Add some extra holiday flair to your messages with compatible emoji.

• New reading mode on Android

Catch up on your favorite content, your way. The new Reading mode on Android creates an accessible reading experience that can be helpful for people who are blind, low vision or dyslexic. Once installed to your settings, it adds customizable display options — including contrast, font type and size — and a text-to-speech function with speed control.

• New YouTube Home screen Search widget

You can also easily access content with YouTube’s new Home screen Search widget. With a quick tap from your Home screen, you can dive right into your library of videos, Shorts or subscriptions.

• Cast videos directly from the Google TV

Sometimes it’s easier to look for something to watch on your phone than on your TV. The Google TV app already makes it easy to use your phone to discover movies and shows from across your streaming services. And starting next week, you can cast directly from the Google TV app to your compatible TV with a single tap. You can keep browsing other options while you’re watching and use your device as a remote control, too.

• Digital Car Key sharing

With digital car key, you can lock, unlock and turn on a compatible car using just your phone. And now, you can share your compatible digital car key with friends and family across Pixel and iPhones (coming soon to select phones with Android versions 12 and up). You can view and change who has access to your car in your phone’s digital wallet app.

• New Wear OS features

As we use our smartwatches to get more done, Wear OS tiles make it easy to see important information at a glance. You can already use the Google Maps tile to start navigating to your home or office from anywhere. And now, Google is adding new tiles to help you get more things done from your watch. Like getting in touch with your favorite contacts and viewing sunrise and sunset times to plan your day.

The company also updated the Google Keep app on Wear OS so your notes and to-dos written on your phone will look just as good on your watch. View labels and collaborators to stay organized. Custom backgrounds, photos and drawings make it easy to see what’s important to you, whether you’re checking your notes on your phone or your watch.

Morever, over the next week you can use Google Assistant to have the the adidas Running app track your physical activity (up to 30 different types of exercise). Say, “Hey Google, start a run with adidas Running” and the app will open and start tracking your speed, distance, and heart rate on your smartwatch.

RELATED: 

• Google Stadia hardware refunds to start rolling out in the next two weeks
• Google Pixel 7 series finally receives the promised free VPN feature
• Pixel Watch and Other WearOS Devices Might Get Support for Gmail and Google Calendar Soon
• Samsung Galaxy M04 With Helio G35 Soc Spotted on Google Play Console
• Google Reports That Other OEMs Have Not Patched A Known Security Flaw Yet

(Source)

The post Google Announces New Features For Android And Wear OS appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last week, Xiaomi announced that it will drop support for MIUI Gallery sync feature with Xiaomi Cloud. The company also disclosed that it will allow users to migrate their media to Google Photos in 2023.

Just a few days later, the smartphone maker now reveals that Google Photos will be integrated with MIUI Gallery starting next week.

Xiaomi says that it is integrating Google Photos backup functionality into MIUI Gallery. The integration will go live with a new version of the application.

The update will be rolled out via Xiaomi’s GetApps app store. It will be first made available in Singapore starting on October 24.

Existing users of Xiaomi Cloud will be able to migrate their media to Google Photos. Also, they will be offered a 3-month trial of Google One membership (100GB).

Xiaomi Cloud offers only 5GB of free storage and its family plan is limited to China. On the other hand, Google provides 15GB of free storage. Additionally, with Google One membership, users can not only expand storage but can also add up to 5 family members.

As mentioned earlier, the initial timeline disclosed by Xiaomi for the rollout of Google Photos integration with MIUI Gallery was 2023. Hence, we believe that it will take months to reach all the markets.

What are your thoughts on Xiaomi discontinuing the synchronization of MIUI Gallery with its own cloud service outside mainland China? Do let us know in the comment section below.

RELATED:

• Redmi K60 series key specifications leak reveals display, chip, battery, and charging details
• POCO C50 Google Play Supported Devices listing suggests its a rebranded Redmi A1+
• Samsung beats Xiaomi & Realme during India Festive sale, sells over 3 million phones
• Poco F5 5G spotted on EEC certification website, hinting at an imminent launch
• MIUI 14 internal testing reportedly commences for the Xiaomi 13 & 13 Pro

The post Xiaomi Integrates Google Photos Into MIUI Gallery appeared first on Gizmochina.

We reported on the Google Pixel Feature Drop earlier this year, which brought the “Locked Folder” functionality within the Google Photos app to Pixel devices. The search giant announced in October that the Locked Folder on Google Photos would be made available to more Android and iOS devices by the end of the year. Now, the feature sees its initial rollout to some Android devices.

According to a report by Androidpolice, the feature has arrived on some of their Android phones while still missing from other devices. The function is expected to be made available to a broader userbase soon via a server-side update.

Google Photos app Locked Folder update

1 of 2

If you have never heard about the Locked Folder feature of the Google Photos app or are unclear about its functionality, let us clear your doubts and queries.

As we know, the Google Photos app enables its users to backup their photos on the Google Drive cloud storage, but with the Locked Folder feature, you can prevent the pictures and videos of your choosing from getting uploaded on the drive. In addition to that, these media files are hidden locally on the user’s phone and are protected by biometrics, similar to other vault/locker software on the market. The media that get moved to the Locked Folder doesn’t show up in any other part of the Google Photos app.

The feature offers another layer of privacy and security as you can ‘only view’ whatever you stored, and won’t be allowed to share, screenshot, or screen record any of the content unless it’s removed back out of the Locked Folder. If you have received the update, the feature can be accessed by opening Google Photos and tapping on the “Library” tab, then on “Utilities” and scrolling down to “Locked Folder,” where you will be directed to set up the Locked Folder. Once that is done, you can move any media you like to this secure folder by swiping up after opening the file and choosing “Move to Locked Folder.”

RELATED:

• Vivaldi browser brings two rows of tabs to Android smartphones with 5.0 update
• Google announces multiple new Android features: new widgets, Emoji Kitchen combos, digital car keys
• Android TV app installation via smartphone rolls out to more users worldwide
• Android TV 12 released, with 4K UI support, blurred backgrounds, and new privacy features

The post Google Photos ‘Locked Folder’ feature finally comes to non-Pixel users appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google apps are one of the most used applications on any smartphone. Some of these apps come pre-installed on Android devices as part of GMS (Google Mobile Services) package. As a result, Google Photos has managed to hit 5 billion downloads on the Play Store. Similarly, Google Keep reached 1 billion downloads.

Google Photos is arguably the best cloud-based gallery service in the market. Unfortunately, it will no longer be free from June 2021. But that does not make it bad as there’s not a single service as good as it is. 

That said, although the Google Photos Android app reached 5 billion downloads, its user base should be way more less. That’s because the service was reported to have only over a billion active users in July 2019.

The application reached this milestone solely because it comes pre-installed on most Android smartphones and tablets. But since not everyone uses it, active users are way more less compared to downloads.

On the other hand, Google Keep is one of the best free note-taking applications. Unlike the former app, this one does not come pre-installed on any Android. Therefore, hitting 1 billion downloads on the Play Store is a big achievement for this app.

Google Keep managed to double its download count from 500 million within 18 months. This clearly suggests that the pandemic played a key role for its success as people are continuing their education and work from home.

UP NEXT: Google Docs hits 1 billion downloads on the Play Store

(Via 1, 2)

The post Google Photos hits 5 billion downloads on the Play Store; Google Keep reaches 1 billion appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google recently announced that it will terminate unlimited ‘High-quality‘ backup on Google Photos starting June 1, 2021. While the existing Pixel devices are exempt from this change, new reports suggest that future Pixel devices won’t be able to escape it.

As quoted by Android Authority(source 1, 2), Google has confirmed to Android Police and Android Central that Future Google Pixel smartphones won’t have Free Google Photos backup. In fact, it won’t even get the unlimited ‘high-quality’ option that current pixels(till Pixel 5) are going to get. This totally negates the point of People who basically prefer to buy them for unlimited backup.

Instead, as reported earlier, the company has started emphasizing more on its Paid Cloud Storage, Google One. If you notice at the end of the blog post about Google Photos, it has mentioned Google One subscriptions. Accordingly, it costs $99.99(USA)/₹6,500(India) a year or $9.99/₹650 a month, and includes VPN service for Android as well(2TB Plan).

That said, this confirmation basically means that if you are someone who is planning to buy future pixel devices(after Google Pixel 5), you need to start saving for cloud storage. In case you run out of the free 15GB, Google will constantly alert you. And entice you to get the extra storage. Do note that, if you leave the completed storage unattended for 24 months, Google might delete some content by itself.

Besides, If you track Google’s approach over the years, you can see a trend here. The first Pixel introduced unlimited “original-quality” backup to Google Photos. However, after Pixel 3a, and subsequently 4, the tagline changed to “high-quality” images. Ironically, the same company, which used “unlimited backup” as a marketing tagline earlier, now says that the free 15GB it offers is enough to store three years of memories.

That said, we do understand Google’s concern about maintaining a sustainable App experience in the future. And catering to the insane demand for cloud storage every day. However, it needs to find a way to lure future Pixel buyers by giving plans similar to “three months of Google One(100GB)” with Pixel 5.

UP NEXT: Older Google Pixels are getting revamped Camera UI

The post Future Pixel devices would be devoid of unlimited Google Photos backup appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google has taken everyone by surprise as it announced a storage cap for Google Photos. Accordingly, from June 1, 2021, Google Photos will also come under the ambit of the free 15GB storage the company already offers.

Google, in a blog post(via The Verge) says that all the photos and videos you upload from June 1 of next year will count towards that 15GB. That is, the free 15GB cloud storage will be shared by Photos, Gmail, and Drive. So far, Google Photos offers unlimited backup of Photos in ‘High Quality’ format. However, the company says the App has 4 trillion photos stored so far. And apparently, about 28 billion new photos, videos are being uploaded every week.

Hence, to keep up with the demand for storage, and make the App sustainable, it is bringing this change. That said, the already uploaded ones, and the contents uploaded before June 1, 2021, are exempt from this change. This means you can upload n number of photos, and videos before the cut-off date as they are free till then.

Although this is a big change, Google says users don’t need to worry about it right now. It assures that it will send alerts via App, email as we approach the 15GB mark. Additionally, it will also introduce features like “Personalized estimates” and a ‘Tool’ inside the Google Photos app from June 2021. This will reportedly help users manage their storage better by deleting dark/blurry images to save space.

Besides, the change also doesn’t affect ‘Original quality’ photos as Google already counts it under 15GB free storage. Further, Google’s Pixel users(Google Pixel to Google Pixel 5) are immune to this change. This means, if you own a Pixel device, you can continue to enjoy the free ‘High quality’ backup even after the cut-off date.

Google also talks about the in-active policy in this change. Accordingly, it may delete contents of either Drive, Gmail, Photos if users aren’t active for 24 months. A similar action extends to users who cross the storage limit and don’t take any action for 2 years. That said, if the 15GB free storage isn’t enough, you can always try Google One. Currently, it costs $99.99(USA)/₹6,500(India) a year or $9.99/₹650 a month, and includes VPN service for Android as well(2TB Plan).

UP NEXT: Google faces antitrust investigation in India over its payment service

The post Google will terminate unlimited ‘high quality’ backup on Google Photos from June next year appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos is arguably Google’s best product. It has gotten much praise since its release more than five years ago and has added new features over the years. Today, Google Photos has gotten a new look along with new features.

The first change is the redesigned icon which has evolved from a pinwheel with straight and sharp lines to one made up of semi-circles.

Moving on from the icon to the user interface; Google Photos will now feature three main tabs at the bottom of the screen – Photos, Search, and Library.

• Photos – This tab presents all your photos and videos. However, it now features larger thumbnails, auto-playing videos, and a larger Memories carousel.
• Search – we have lots of photos on our devices and scrolling endlessly to find a particular picture can be really tasking. With the new Google Photos, Search has been brought forward. This way, you can quickly find those pictures of your kids, partners, and pets. There is also an interactive map of your photos, which means you can select a location on a map and view the pictures you took on that vacation or office retreat.
• Library – this is where other folders such as albums, favorites, archives, and trash are located. Users in the US, Canada, and Europe will also get to see the Print Store under libraries.

Google says it has also moved automatic creations including movies, collages, animations, and stylized photos from the “For You” tab to Memories. You will also be able to hide specific people or time periods under memories.

The newly revamped Google Photos will begin rolling out to both Android and iOS users over the next week according to the press release.

UP NEXT: Huawei launched Petal Search in Singapore, a replacement for Google Search

(Source)

The post Google Photos gets a redesign; puts “Search” front and center appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Photos has been offering unlimited free storage for videos and photos since 2015 when it updated its gallery app with a new look and design. The free storage works for both iOS and Android users, however, Google compresses the uploaded content in order to save space. Now, starting today, some video formats that are unsupported will take up storage space the limited storage space quota allotted to each user. The new change came to be known when a side note appeared on the Google support site declaring the same.

The side note says, “[Unsupported] Videos uploaded after December 6, 2018 take up storage space.” It seems some users were using the unlimited storage to their advantage by disguising unsupported movie formats and uploading them to avail free storage. The side note’s appearance on the support page means the change is already live currently. That said, Google supports a large number of formats such as below:
mpg, .mod, .mmv, .tod, .wmv, .asf, .avi, .divx, .mov, .m4v, .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .m2t, .m2ts, .mts, and .mkv files.

Do note that this change will have a minimal effect on smartphone users who upload photos or even videos through their devices. However, large files in unsupported formats will take up space. The Photos app has recently undergone a drastic redesign with Google imparting a new Material Theme design to the app recently.

source, via

The post Google Photos Disallows Free Unlimited Storage to Specific Video Formats appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Camera is receiving a new update with the all-new Night Sight feature. Google announced it at the launch event of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. It allows cameras to capture photos in low-light environments and helps to improve the overall light in the final processed image. The update is rolling out to all Pixel devices as of now, but the Search giant has said that the new feature will work best in the Pixel 3 series.

Until now, almost every smartphone was having the issue of bad quality photos taken in the night time or in low light environments. To cure it, Google has added a new Night Sight feature, which helps the smartphone to capture crispier and lightened up photos. It will provide well-lit shots in dim lighting conditions. Google has already demoed the feature at the launch event, and later we have also tested it and found that the whole algorithm is quite impressive.

It can create lightened-up photo shots in dark environments. Though, Google has said that it will work better with Pixel 3 series as it is compatible with its learning based white balancer.

Along with the new Night Sight feature, Google Camera also packs usual bug fixes. It will improve the performance and stability of the Google Camera app on Pixel devices. The update is available for Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL and Pixel devices.

• Read More: Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL launched: Bigger Display, Wireless Charging & Better Cameras

Users can use it by opening the app and then heading over to the “more” tab by swiping. Now, you have to select “Night” option. Later, if the device found a darker environment, it will automatically suggest you use the Night Sight. We recommend to use it when you see some dark environment or low-light situation.

Well, did you received the new update on your Pixel device?

The post Google Camera gets Night Sight update on all Pixel devices appeared first on Gizmochina.