Google Photos AI Set to Revolutionize 'Photo to Video' Feature with Custom Prompts.

Google Photos is reportedly preparing a significant upgrade to its generative AI capabilities, specifically for the popular "Photo to video" tool. The new functionality, uncovered in a recent app teardown, suggests users will soon gain highly detailed creative control over video generation.

This move underscores Google's commitment to embedding sophisticated AI features directly into its core consumer applications. The update could transform how users animate their static memories, moving beyond simple preset effects to truly customized digital storytelling.

From Subtle Movements to Creative Commands.

The existing "Photo to video" tool is already powerful, leveraging AI to turn still images into short, dynamic clips. It currently offers two main options for users: "Subtle movements" and the randomized "I'm feeling lucky" effect.

While functional, these choices are creatively restrictive, often requiring multiple tries to get a desired result. The feature recently received an internal boost with the integration of the Veo 3 video generation model.

App Teardown Reveals New Prompt Box

Evidence for the impending update was discovered within an app teardown of Google Photos version 6.48, conducted by Android Authority. This analysis revealed a clear visual element indicating the introduction of a text prompt box.

This prompt box would allow users to describe in detail the action, style, or effect they want applied to their image, unlocking a level of customization previously unavailable. This shift grants users the "creative muscles" to dictate the outcome, making the tool much more versatile.

Expanding Generative AI Access

If released, the prompt-based generation will likely skyrocket the feature's popularity by ensuring greater user satisfaction with the generated results. Users will no longer be reliant on the luck of the draw but on the specificity of their text input.

However, current restrictions on Google’s generative AI tools still apply. Features like "Photo to video" and the "Remix" image editor are currently limited to users in the United States.

Furthermore, generation limits are expected to be in place. While all users will receive a "limited number" of free daily generations, subscribers to the Google AI Pro or Ultra plans will likely benefit from increased usage caps, aligning with Google's broader AI monetization strategy. While not guaranteed for public release, the discovery strongly suggests Google is actively developing this powerful, customizable AI video creation feature.

Google Photos 'Help me edit' AI Feature Expands to All Android Users.

Google is bringing a powerful AI-driven photo-editing tool, previously exclusive to its flagship Pixel 10 series, to all Android users in the United States. The new "Help me edit" feature integrates conversational AI directly into the Google Photos editor, allowing users to make complex and multi-layered edits with simple text commands. This move democratizes a premium AI experience and significantly streamlines the photo-editing process for millions of users.

Key Features and How It Works.

The "Help me edit" feature is a conversational editing experience that uses AI to understand and execute user commands. Located at the bottom of the redesigned Google Photos editor, it functions similarly to a chat interface. Instead of navigating through multiple menus and manually adjusting sliders, users can simply type out their desired changes.

The tool can handle a wide range of requests, from simple adjustments to more complex manipulations. For example, a user could type:

• "Remove the glare, brighten the photo, and add clouds to the sky."
• "Make the colors pop and sharpen the subject."
• "Restore the photo" for old, faded, or damaged images.

Google's AI analyzes the photo and the user's request, then applies the necessary edits in a single action. The app also provides context-specific suggestions to help guide users who may not know where to start. This new method is a significant time-saver and a more intuitive alternative to traditional editing tools. 

Recently, Google has also added the Magic Erase Feature to remove any unwanted objects from any picture. 

Availability and Requirements.

The "Help me edit" feature is rolling out to all eligible Android users in the US who have the latest version of the Google Photos app. Notably, this update does not require a specific device or specialized hardware, making it accessible to a wider audience than its initial Pixel-exclusive launch.

The expansion of "Help me edit" is a clear signal that Google views generative AI as a core component of its future software strategy, moving beyond a single device and bringing the power of Gemini to the masses.

Also Read: Google Photos Rolls Out AI Tools to Animate Images and Add Artistic Effects.

Your Shared Albums in Google Photos Are About to Get a Whole Lot Smarter.

Have you ever tried to find a specific photo in a shared Google Photos album only to find yourself scrolling endlessly? Good news: Google is about to fix that. The Google Photos Android app is getting a long-awaited upgrade that will make searching within shared albums a breeze. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a game-changer for anyone who collaborates on photo albums with friends and family.

Search Functionality Arrives for Shared Albums.

The frustration is real: you know a picture of your cat, Fluffy, is in that shared album from a friend's birthday party, but the search bar only turns up results from your personal library. Currently, the only way to search shared photos is to manually save them to your account first, a clunky, inefficient step.

A new update, discovered in Google Photos version 7.45, is changing that. Google is actively working on a feature that will allow you to search for people, pets, and other subjects directly inside a shared album, just as you would in your own collection. This brings the powerful search capabilities of Google Photos to your collaborative albums, making it easier than ever to find exactly what you're looking for without the extra work.

What This Means for Users.

For those who rely on Google Photos to share memories, this update is a massive quality-of-life improvement. No more manual saving, no more endless scrolling. The new functionality suggests a more cohesive and integrated search experience is on the way. 

While the feature isn't widely available yet, its appearance in a recent app version indicates that a broader rollout is likely just around the corner. Get ready to find those photos of your dog, Fido, in that shared vacation album with just a simple search.

Also Read:

• Google Photos Perspective Correction Tool Goes Missing for Many Users.
• Erase Unwanted Objects From a Photo Using Google Photos.
• How To Create Cinematic Photos in Google Photos.

How To Create Cinematic Photos in Google Photos.

Have you ever looked at a still photo and wished you could feel the moment all over again? With Google Photos, you can. The Cinematic photos feature breathes life into your static pictures by adding a subtle, three-dimensional motion effect. It's a simple way to transform your favorite memories into something magical, without any advanced editing skills. 

This guide will walk you through exactly what cinematic photos are, which photos work best, and a step-by-step tutorial to create your own.

What Are Cinematic Photos?

A Cinematic photo isn't a video, but it looks like one. Using sophisticated machine learning and artificial intelligence, Google Photos analyzes a flat, 2D image and creates a 3D representation of the scene. It identifies the main subject, like a person, pet, or landmark, and separates it from the background. 

Once the layers are separated, Google Photos animates a virtual camera, creating a smooth panning effect. This gives the illusion of depth and movement, making the subject "pop" from the background and turning your simple photo into a short, dynamic video clip.

How to choose the Right Photo for Cinematic?

Not every photo is a good candidate for this effect. The best cinematic photos come from images that have a clear subject and a distinct background. Here's what to look for when choosing your photo:

• Clear Subject Separation: Photos where the main subject is clearly separated from the background will work best. Think of a portrait of a person standing against a wall or a tree in a field.
• Good Depth: Photos taken with "Portrait Mode" or those with a natural depth of field are often ideal. The more the camera can understand what's close and what's far away, the better the final result.
• Simple Backgrounds: Images with busy or complex backgrounds can sometimes confuse the AI, leading to less-than-perfect results. A photo with a simple background will yield a cleaner, more striking cinematic effect.

How To Create a Cinematic Photo?

You can either wait for Google Photos to automatically create a cinematic photo for you (it often does this for your "Memories") or create one yourself. Here's how to do it manually. You can also remove unwanted objects from your photo before creating a Cinematic video out of it.

Step 1: Open Google Photos and Select a Photo.

Launch the Google Photos app on your smartphone or tablet. Browse through your photo library and tap on the picture you want to transform into a Cinematic photo. For the best effect, choose a photo where the subject is clear and well-separated from the background.

Step 2: Open the Options Menu.

Once the photo is open, look at the top-right corner of the screen. Tap the three-dot menu icon to view more options for that photo.

Step 3: Choose the “Create” Option.

From the list of options that appear, tap on Create. This option is represented by a brush icon. Tapping it will open a creation panel at the bottom of your screen.

Step 4: Select “Cinematic Photo”.

In the Create new panel, you will see different creative tools. Scroll if needed and choose the option labeled Cinematic photo (usually the last one in the list). This tells Google Photos to start generating the effect.

Step 5: Wait for the Cinematic Video to Generate.

Google Photos will automatically analyze your chosen photo and apply motion effects using AI. After a few seconds, it will create a short 7-second Cinematic video that gives your picture a smooth 3D-style camera movement.

Step 6: Preview and Save the Cinematic Photo.

When the video is ready, it will play on your screen so you can preview it. If you like the result, simply tap the Save button. The Cinematic photo will then be stored in your Google Photos library as a video file.

Google Photos’ cinematic feature is a fantastic example of how AI can enhance our daily lives. It offers a simple, powerful way to take your favorite photos from static snapshots to captivating, living memories. By using this guide, you can start creating your own stunning cinematic photos today, adding a touch of movie magic to your personal photo gallery.

Erase Unwanted Objects From Photo Using Google Photos.

Have you ever taken a great photo, only to realize later that an unwanted object, like a stray person, a power line, or a piece of trash that is ruining the shot? It’s a common frustration, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road for your perfect picture.

Thanks to the Magic Eraser feature in Google Photos, you no longer need expensive or complicated software to fix your images. This powerful and easy-to-use tool lets you effortlessly remove distractions with just a few taps, transforming your photos from almost-perfect to absolutely flawless.

Google Photos Magic Eraser: What It Is & How It Works.

The Google Photos Magic Eraser is an AI-powered editing tool designed to make unwanted distractions in your photos simply disappear. Unlike traditional photo editing, which might require a steady hand and complex software, Magic Eraser is built for simplicity. It's an intelligent solution that lets you quickly and easily clean up your pictures.

So, how does it accomplish this? The core of Magic Eraser is its advanced artificial intelligence. When you activate the tool, the AI scans your image to identify elements that might be distracting, such as people, power lines, or objects in the background. It then uses a sophisticated technique called "in-painting." 

This process involves analyzing the surrounding pixels, textures, and colors to intelligently fill in the space where the unwanted object was, creating a seamless and natural-looking result.

How To Use Magic Eraser in Google Photos?

Prerequisite

The Magic Eraser feature is now available for free on all devices running the Google Photos app, both on Android and iOS. You must have the latest version of the Google Photos app installed and a stable internet connection for the AI processing to work.

Here’s how to use Magic Eraser to remove unwanted objects from your photos, a process that is largely the same for both Android and iOS devices.

1. Open the Google Photos App and select the photo you want to edit.
2. At the bottom of your screen, you'll see a row of icons. Tap the "Edit" icon (it looks like a series of sliders).
   
   
   
3. Simply use your finger to circle or brush over the unwanted object you want to erase and click on the "Erase" icon that appears on the screen.
   
   
   
4. Once the object is removed, you can click on undo and redo to see the exact difference between the before and after image.
   
   
   
5. Once you are satisfied with the result, tap "Done." The app will then give you the option to "Save as Copy," to keep your original photo untouched.
   
   
   

Note: The Magic Eraser is very good, but sometimes it may leave behind a small residue or an imperfect patch. If this happens, you can simply zoom in and circle or brush over the area again to refine the result.

Google Photos Magic Eraser is Better Than Similar Editors.

While many apps now offer a way to erase objects, Google Photos' Magic Eraser stands apart with its unique combination of convenience and intelligent design. It's not just another editing tool; it's a seamless part of the app where you already store your memories. And more importantly is free for all Google Photos users.

This integration means you can fix a photo the moment you see it, without the hassle of downloading, paying for, or learning a new app. The feature is also powered by Google's advanced AI, which goes beyond simple blurring. 

It intelligently analyzes your photo's content, filling in the erased area with realistic details to create a flawless and natural-looking result. This makes professional-quality edits simple and accessible for everyone, turning an otherwise complicated task into a quick, effortless fix.

Conclusion.

In a world filled with countless editing apps, Google Photos’ Magic Eraser distinguishes itself not just with its powerful AI but with its commitment to user-friendly design. It takes a complex, frustrating problem of removing unwanted objects from a photo and offers a solution that is both incredibly effective and remarkably simple.

Also Read: Google Photos Rolls Out AI Tools to Animate Images and Add Artistic Effects.

Google Photos Perspective Correction Tool Goes Missing for Many Users.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Photos removes the perspective correction tool.
• Users report missing feature with no official response.

Recently, Google Photos has removed its long-standing perspective correction (crop/keystone) tool, frustrating photographers and everyday users who relied on it for straightening skewed shots and emulating scans. Reports across Reddit and Google’s own support forums confirm that the option has disappeared in recent app versions.

This feature was embedded within the Crop editing tools was appreciated for correcting angular distortions in photos of documents, artwork, or real estate. Though not the most widely used, its removal is sparking surprise and complaints.

The vanished function was once easily accessible as a skew-adjustment overlay in Google Photos’ Crop tool. Now, affected users—across Android and the web interface—report the feature is simply gone from editing menus. 

The change seems to have appeared abruptly, likely tied to a recent app update that removed the tool without warning. Notably, it's still visible in older app versions like Google Photos v7.38, suggesting this is targeted in newer releases. 

Community reactions echo frustration: Reddit users on r/GooglePixel chimed in with comments like:

“I used it a lot to correct the perspective of photos I took too fast … Keystone correction is missing from the Crop tools.”

“At least a few times per week. ... I’m especially bummed that it's gone.” 

Some speculate the tool was removed due to low usage, or that user metrics excluded power users who disabled anonymous data sharing.

While the functionality is still accessible via alternative apps such as Snapseed or Google Drive’s document scanner but these are not ideal substitutes for seamless in‑Photos editing.

Affected users can try downgrading the Photos app or uninstalling and reinstalling via the Play Store to revert to an older build. However, this is a temporary fix and may become unavailable as Google continues updating the app.

As of now, Google has not officially addressed whether the removal is intentional, a bug, or part of a broader redesign. With the Pixel 10 launch drawing attention, some community members feel the timing suggests lower-priority users are being overlooked.

Google Photos Rolls Out AI Tools to Animate Images and Add Artistic Effects.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Photos now lets users turn still images into short animated videos using AI-powered motion effects.
• The new Remix feature transforms photos into artistic styles like anime, sketch, and 3D, offering more creative freedom.

Google Photos is taking another step forward in creative photo editing by launching two innovative features: photo-to-video conversion and Remix. These tools are powered by Google's Veo 2 generative AI model and are being rolled out gradually for users in the United States on both Android and iOS devices. With this update, Google aims to give users more ways to creatively reimagine their memories using intuitive and powerful technology.

Bring Photos to Life with the Photo-to-Video Tool.

The new photo-to-video feature allows users to turn still images into short, animated video clips. You can choose between two effects, called “Subtle movements” and “I’m feeling lucky.” These effects gently animate parts of the photo, such as moving water, shifting clouds, or fluttering leaves. The final video clip lasts about six seconds, and the rendering may take up to one minute. 

Users are given several variations to preview, so they can choose the one that suits their vision best. This feature is completely free and does not require access to Gemini or any paid plan.

Transform Images with the Artistic Remix Feature.

In addition to video animations, Google Photos is launching the Remix tool, which lets users apply artistic filters to their photos. These include styles like anime, sketch, comic, 3D animation, and more. The Remix feature is designed to be fun, expressive, and highly customizable. It will begin rolling out to users in the United States over the next few weeks, and it is intended to be simple enough for anyone to use, regardless of experience with photo editing.

To make these new tools easier to access, Google Photos will soon introduce a new Create tab. This tab will be located in the bottom navigation bar of the app and will organize creative tools such as photo-to-video, Remix, collages, and highlight reels in one convenient place. The Create tab is expected to be available starting in August.

Google Watermark on AI-Generated Content.

Google has stated that all content generated through these AI features will include a SynthID digital watermark. This watermark is invisible to the eye but helps verify that the media was created using AI. In addition to this, video clips created through the photo-to-video tool will display a visible watermark in one corner of the screen. Google is encouraging users to rate AI-generated content with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to provide feedback and help improve the tools over time.

The photo-to-video animation feature became available to U.S. users on July 23, 2025. The Remix feature will become available in the coming weeks. The new Create tab is scheduled to roll out sometime in August. These features will be added automatically, but they may appear at different times for different users depending on regional availability and server updates.

Google Photos Brings AI-Powered “Reimagine” Editing to Older Pixel Devices

Google is now expanding its premium Reimagine tool generative AI feature, once exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, so that users of older Pixel devices (Pixel 6, 7, and 8) can access it via Google Photos. This follows earlier indications and now appears to be rolling out through a server-side update, as new reports from Reddit and Telegram confirm.

Users have shared screenshots of Reimagine on their Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 devices, demonstrating capabilities like replacing skies with dramatic weather effects and adding imaginative visual elements to photos. The rollout is gradual and seemingly tied to remote flags it meaning that even if you're on the latest Photos version, the feature may not appear immediately.

What Is “Reimagine”?

Reimagine is part of Google’s Magic Editor suite, letting users select a portion of a photo and enter a text prompt (e.g., “stormy sky,” “tornado,” or “sunflowers”). The AI then adjusts or replaces that area to match. While it works best with backgrounds, users have creatively applied it to foreground details too, producing results that range from subtle enhancements to dramatic alterations

Democratizing AI Editing – Previously limited to the newest Pixel 9, Reimagine is now accessible to a wider user base, bringing advanced AI photo tools to those using more affordable, older models.

Server-Side Rollout Advantage – Google can enable (or disable) features remotely, giving the company flexibility and control over phased releases, quality adjustments, and targeted testing.

How to Use the Reimagine Feature on Your Pixel.

Step 1: Confirm Device Compatibility

Make sure you are using a supported Pixel phone such as the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, or Pixel 8. Also, ensure that the Google Photos app is updated to the latest version through the Play Store for the feature to work correctly.

Step 2: Open a Photo for Editing

Launch the Google Photos app and select any photo from your gallery that you want to edit. Once the photo is open, tap on the “Edit” option located at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Locate the Reimagine Tool

Inside the editing tools, look for the “Reimagine” button. It will usually appear alongside other features like the Magic Editor or Enhance. If you don’t see it right away, that’s okay—it may not have been activated on your device yet.

Step 4: Choose the Area You Want to Change

Tap or drag on the specific area of the photo that you want to modify. This could be the sky, background, or any object within the image that you’d like to enhance or replace.

Step 5: Enter a Creative Prompt

Once the area is selected, type in a prompt that describes how you want the new version to look. For example, you might type “sunset sky,” “snowy mountain,” or “vibrant flowers” to guide the AI transformation.

Step 6: Preview and Select a Version

After entering your prompt, the AI will generate multiple versions of the photo based on your input. You can scroll through the suggestions and choose the one that best fits your vision.

Step 7: Save Your Edited Photo

When you're satisfied with the changes, tap “Done” or “Save” to store the edited version. Your updated photo will be saved in your Google Photos library, and the original version will remain unchanged.

Helpful Tip:

If the Reimagine feature isn’t showing up yet, don’t worry. Google is rolling it out gradually through a server-side update, so check back in a day or two.

Android Authority suggests that Google initially teased support for Auto Frame alongside Reimagine in older Pixel devices, hinting that further Magic Editor features could follow. This rollout could mark the beginning of a broader trend toward unlocking Pixel‑9‑series AI features across older models.

For users, this update transforms the editing experience, allowing dramatic, context-aware edits with just a few taps. Even if the tool produces inconsistent results at times, its growing availability ensures that an increasing number of Pixel users can experiment with creative visual transformations.

Google Photos Introduces Sleek New Video Player with Enhanced Controls.

Google is rolling out a major UI overhaul to its video player in the Google Photos app, introducing a fresh design that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. This update is part of Google’s broader Material You (Material 3) design strategy and aims to modernize the viewing experience for millions of Android and iOS users who rely on Google Photos to store, share, and manage their video memories.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Photos has introduced a redesigned video player with larger controls, haptic scrubbing, and double-tap gestures.
• The update enhances video playback usability with a cleaner Material You interface and new looping functionality.

The update, which is being gradually rolled out across platforms, introduces more prominent, user-friendly playback controls and refined gesture support all designed to bring the video player in line with the smoother, more expressive interfaces found in other Google apps like YouTube and the revamped Google TV player.

What’s New in the Google Photos Video Player

The redesigned video player features several improvements that elevate the user experience:

1. Larger Playback Controls: The play/pause button, mute/unmute toggle, share button, and new looping option are now easier to access, placed prominently beneath the video rather than floating atop it. This layout reduces visual clutter and makes the interface more intuitive, especially for quick actions during playback.

2. Upgraded Seek Bar: The timeline scrubber now features a dotted progress bar that’s more visually distinct. It also includes haptic feedback when scrubbing, helping users accurately skip to specific video moments, an upgrade over the older, more basic slider.

3. Double-Tap Navigation: Like YouTube, the new video player supports double-tap gestures on the left and right sides of the video to rewind or fast-forward by 5 seconds. Users can tap multiple times in quick succession to skip even further, making it easier to navigate longer clips.

4. Material You Styling: The interface uses Material 3 Expressive themes, including softer corner curves, minimal shading, and improved responsiveness. It better reflects Google’s current design language and improves visual consistency across the Android ecosystem.

5. New Loop Button: A long-awaited addition, users can now enable looping playback directly from the interface, useful for reviewing clips, short animations, or seamless background footage.

Credit: Android Authority

The updated video player has started rolling out in the latest version of the Google Photos app for Android and iOS. However, since this is a server-side update, not all users will see the new design immediately, even if they’ve updated the app. It’s expected to reach most global users over the coming weeks.

Multiple reports from Android Authority, AssembleDebug, and user forums confirm its appearance in recent beta and stable app builds, especially in version 6.86.0.626167117 for Android.

Why is this update important?

This redesign addresses a long-standing gap in Google Photos, where video playback controls lag behind modern media apps. For users who regularly capture, back up, and share videos especially parents, students, vloggers, and creators smooth, responsive playback is crucial.

Google Photos has increasingly positioned itself not just as a storage tool, but as a content management platform. These interface changes reflect that shift, allowing users to interact with their videos more efficiently and enjoyably without needing to export them to another app just to play them back properly.

Moreover, with smartphone video quality rising thanks to features like 4K recording, cinematic modes, and HDR support, the need for a refined and responsive player within Photos has become more important than ever.