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.

Android 16 QPR1 Rolls Out to Pixel Devices with 'No Data Wipe' Option.

Google has begun rolling out the Android 16 QPR1 update, bringing a convenient new feature to Pixel users in the Android Beta Program. This update, which is a "No Data Wipe" over-the-air (OTA) update, allows beta testers to exit the program without having to factory reset their devices and lose all their personal data.

What This Means for Beta Testers.

Previously, users who wanted to leave the Android Beta Program after testing a feature release were required to wipe their device, which could be a significant hassle. The new "No Data Wipe" update for QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1) provides a smooth and data-preserving transition. The update is less than 100 MB and also includes the September 2025 security patch.

Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > Software updates > System updates. They should look for an update titled "Android Beta Exit No Data Wipe."

While the update has been spotted on some devices like the Pixel Tablet, it appears that Google is rolling it out in phases, and it may not be immediately available on all eligible devices, such as the Pixel 8a or 9a. This update is a welcome change for testers, making it much easier to transition from beta to the stable Android build.

Following the Beta 3.1 update, users who chose not to test the QPR2 Beta 1 were able to opt their devices out of the program. google.com/android/beta#devices

Google Home App Rolls Out Significant Upgrade to Automation Editor.

The Google Home app is getting a major upgrade, with a significant revamp of its household automation editor rolling out to users. This update, first reported on September 11, 2025, promises to give smart home enthusiasts more power and flexibility in how they control their connected devices. The changes are a big step toward making Google Home automations more intuitive and context-aware.

Key New Features for Smarter Automations.

The new editor introduces several highly anticipated features that go beyond the simple recurring routines of the past. One of the most notable additions is the ability to create one-time automations. These are perfect for special events or temporary situations, and can even be set to auto-delete after they've run, keeping your automation list clean.

The updated editor also allows for more complex and layered conditions. For example, you can now create an automation for lights to adjust based on the time of day and whether someone is home, providing a truly personalized experience. Other new capabilities include:

• Presence Sensing: Automations can now be triggered based on whether someone is home or if everyone has left.
• Targeted Notifications: You can choose to send notifications about an automation to a specific person or to every member of the household.
• Flexible Scheduling: Set automations to run on specific days, at a certain time, or on an hourly, monthly, or annual basis.

Also Read: Google Home Adds Wi-Fi Presence Detection for Smarter Routines.

What's Coming Next for the Google Home App?

While the new editor is a major leap forward, it's not yet feature-complete. The report notes that some capabilities are still missing and will be added in future updates. These include:

• Thermostat controls.
• Camera on/off functionality.
• Light effects and color controls.
• Door, window, contact sensors, and camera motion detection are all planned for a future release.

Users can still access the "Previous household editor" from the three-dot overflow menu to manage automations that rely on these unsupported features.

The update is being rolled out in phases to Android and iOS users, with full availability expected over the next few weeks. For Google Home users who have been waiting for more powerful and customizable automations, this update is a welcome development and a clear indication of Google's continued investment in the smart home ecosystem.

Gmail to Gain New 'Purchases' Tab for Centralized Shopping Management.

Google is rolling out a significant update to Gmail, introducing a dedicated "Purchases" tab that aims to revolutionize how users track their online orders and manage shopping-related emails. This new feature provides a centralized hub for all your e-commerce activities, making it easier than ever to find order confirmations, shipping updates, and return information.

A Smarter Inbox for Your Shopping Habits.

Gmail's new "Purchases" tab is a logical extension of its existing smart features, such as Categories (Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, Forums). However, this tab is specifically tailored to the unique needs of online shoppers, offering a more robust and organized approach to managing purchases.

Here’s what this update means for users:

• Centralized Tracking: Instead of sifting through your primary inbox or the "Promotions" tab for order details, all emails related to your online purchases will be automatically filtered into this new tab. This includes order confirmations, shipping notifications, delivery updates, and even return labels.
• Enhanced Organization: The tab will likely go beyond just listing emails. It's expected to present purchase information in a more structured, glanceable format, potentially displaying key details like order numbers, delivery dates, and product images directly within the tab interface.
• Reduced Clutter: By moving shopping-related emails into their own dedicated space, the "Purchases" tab will help reduce clutter in your main inbox, allowing you to focus on more urgent or personal communications.
• Seamless Integration: This feature leverages Google's existing AI capabilities to identify and categorize purchase-related emails accurately. It will likely integrate with other Google services in the future, potentially linking directly to Google Pay or Google Assistant for package tracking.

Image Credit: Google

How the "Purchases" Tab Will Work.

While specific details on the tab's exact functionality are still emerging, it's expected to operate similarly to existing Gmail categories:

1. Automatic Classification: Google's AI will automatically detect emails containing order confirmations, shipping details, and receipts, moving them to the "Purchases" tab.
2. User Control: Users will likely have the ability to manually move emails into or out of the "Purchases" tab if the automatic classification isn't perfect, and potentially train the system over time.
3. Notifications: Users are expected to be able to customize notifications specifically for this tab, ensuring they receive timely updates on important deliveries without being overwhelmed.

This update reflects a growing trend towards specialized inboxes that cater to specific types of communication. For online shoppers, the "Purchases" tab promises a significant improvement in managing their digital retail footprint.

Also Read:

• Gmail’s New Manage Subscriptions Feature to Clean Inbox.
• Gmail for Android Gets a Fresh Look with Material 3 Expressive Redesign.
• Google Reassures Users, Reaffirms Gmail's Robust Security Following Misinformation.

Gemini Canvas Introduces 'Select and Ask' for Intuitive Visual Editing.

Image Source: Google

Google is empowering developers and designers with an incredibly intuitive new feature in Gemini Canvas: "Select and Ask." This update revolutionizes how users can visually edit web applications, allowing for direct, no-code modifications by simply clicking an element and describing the desired change in natural language.

"Select and Ask": The Future of Visual Web App Editing.

Gemini Canvas, Google's generative AI platform for web development, is designed to streamline the creation and modification of web apps. The "Select and Ask" feature takes this a giant leap forward by introducing a direct, conversational approach to UI (User Interface) adjustments.

Here's how this innovative feature works:

Click to Select: Users can now directly click on any element within their web application in Gemini Canvas's preview mode. This could be a button, a text box, an image, a navigation bar, or any other UI component.

Describe the Change: Once an element is selected, a prompt will appear, allowing the user to describe the desired modification using natural language. For example, you could say:

• "Make this button green and slightly larger."
• "Change the font of this headline to sans-serif and bold."
• "Move this image to the left and add 20 pixels of padding."
• "Change the color scheme of this section to a darker theme."

Instant Preview: The moment the description is entered, Gemini Canvas uses its underlying AI models to interpret the request and instantly apply the changes in the preview mode. This allows for real-time iteration and immediate visual feedback without writing a single line of code.

No Code Necessary: The power of "Select and Ask" lies in its ability to abstract away the complexity of code. Users don't need to understand CSS, HTML, or JavaScript to make visual adjustments. Gemini's AI handles the translation from natural language intent to code modifications behind the scenes.

Impact on Web Development and Design Workflows.

"Select and Ask" in Gemini Canvas is poised to significantly impact various roles within the web development and design ecosystem:

• For Designers: It allows designers to rapidly prototype and iterate on UI elements with unprecedented speed, directly seeing their vision come to life without needing developer intervention for minor tweaks.
• For Developers: While it doesn't eliminate coding, it frees up developers from mundane visual adjustments, allowing them to focus on more complex functionality and backend logic. It also simplifies client feedback loops, as changes can be demonstrated and implemented instantly.
• For Non-Technical Stakeholders: Business owners, product managers, and other non-technical stakeholders can now participate more directly in the design process, providing immediate feedback and seeing changes applied in real-time. This can bridge communication gaps and accelerate project timelines.
• Rapid Prototyping and A/B Testing: The ability to make instant visual changes makes rapid prototyping and A/B testing far more efficient. Different design variations can be generated and compared almost instantaneously.

This new feature in Gemini Canvas underscores Google's commitment to making generative AI a cornerstone of creative and technical workflows, democratizing web development by putting powerful visual editing capabilities directly into the hands of users with natural language.

Google AI Plus: Budget-Friendly AI Subscription Tier for Emerging Markets.

In a significant move to make advanced artificial intelligence more accessible, Google has launched "Google AI Plus," a new, more affordable subscription tier. This plan, which is currently rolling out in countries like Indonesia, is a direct response to the growing demand for powerful AI tools in emerging markets.

While Google's existing Google One AI Premium plan (previously known as AI Pro) caters to power users with its extensive features and high limits, the new AI Plus tier is designed to be a budget-friendly alternative that still offers substantial value. It strategically bundles core AI features with essential Google services to appeal to a broader audience.

What's Included in Google AI Plus?

The Google AI Plus subscription is built around a blend of advanced AI and productivity features. Here’s what users get for a lower price point:

• Gemini 2.5 Pro: The plan includes access to Google's sophisticated Gemini 2.5 Pro model. While the usage limits are less than the premium tiers, it still provides a powerful AI assistant for writing, coding, brainstorming, and complex problem-solving.
• Gemini in Google Apps: A key feature of this plan is the integration of Gemini into popular Google apps. Users can get AI assistance directly within Gmail and Docs to help with drafting emails, writing documents, and organizing content.
• Creative Tools: The subscription provides access to new creative tools, including Veo 3 Fast, Google's AI model for video generation. This allows users to create short videos directly from text prompts.
• Google One Storage: AI Plus is not just about AI; it's also a value-added service. The subscription includes 200 GB of Google One storage, which can be used across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. This is a significant benefit for users in markets where storage space is at a premium.
• NotebookLM: Subscribers also get higher access to NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research and writing assistant, with more audio overviews, notebooks, and sources per notebook.

Google AI Plus vs. Google One AI Premium.

The introduction of Google AI Plus creates a clear tiered structure, allowing users to choose a plan that best fits their needs and budget.

Feature	Google AI Plus	Google One AI Premium
Primary Goal	Democratize AI in emerging markets	Cater to advanced users and professionals
Core AI Model	Access to Gemini 2.5 Pro (with lower usage limits)	Highest usage limits for Gemini 2.5 Pro
Context Window	Standard context window	1 million tokens
Creative Tools	Veo 3 Fast (video generation)	Veo 3 Fast + access to Veo 3 and other models
Deep Research	Limited access to Deep Research	20 reports per day (on Gemini 2.5 Pro)
Deep Think	Not included	10 prompts per day (exclusive feature)
Google One	200 GB storage	2 TB storage + other premium benefits
Price	More affordable, regional pricing	Standard pricing ($19.99/month)

The Bigger Picture: A Strategic Move.

Google's launch of AI Plus is a strategic play to expand its AI ecosystem globally. By offering a more accessible and affordable entry point, Google can attract a new segment of users in high-growth regions. This move positions Google to build a stronger user base for its AI products and compete effectively in the global AI market. It also reflects Google's understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach to AI subscriptions may not be effective worldwide.

Google Breaks Down Gemini's Usage Limits for Free and Paid Users.

For months, Google has been using vague language like “limited access” and “highest access” to describe the usage caps for its Gemini AI. This left many users, from casual testers to professional creators, in the dark about what they were truly getting. Now, Google has finally provided a clear and detailed breakdown of the daily and monthly limits for its different Gemini tiers.

This is a major update for anyone in the tech and AI space, as it allows users to make informed decisions about which plan is right for them. Here’s a detailed look at the new limits for prompts, image generation, and other advanced features.

The Free Tier: What Users Get with Gemini 2.5 Pro.

The free tier is designed for general use and for those who want to experience the power of Gemini without a subscription. While it provides a solid introduction, the limits are designed to prevent heavy, daily use.

• Prompts: You can use Gemini 2.5 Pro for up to 5 prompts per day. This is a significant clarification from the previously unstated limits.
• Image Generation: You are able to generate or edit up to 100 images per day. This generous allowance is perfect for artists, social media managers, or anyone needing to create a steady stream of visual content.
• Context Window: The free tier includes a 32,000-token context window, which is ample for most standard conversations.
• Deep Research: For more in-depth queries, you are limited to 5 Deep Research reports per month. These reports are powered by the less advanced Gemini Flash model.
• Audio Overviews: All users, including free ones, can get up to 20 Audio Overviews per day.

Google AI Pro: The Sweet Spot for Creators.

Priced at $19.99 per month, the Google AI Pro plan is part of select Google One subscriptions and dramatically increases the usage caps, making it ideal for content creators, marketers, and developers.

Prompts: The limit jumps to 100 prompts per day with Gemini 2.5 Pro, a 20x increase over the free tier.

• Image Generation: This plan offers a massive increase in creative capacity, allowing for up to 1,000 image generations per day.
• Context Window: The context window is expanded to a colossal 1 million tokens, enabling significantly longer conversations and the ability to process large documents in a single go.
• Deep Research: You get a substantial boost to 20 Deep Research reports per day, and they are powered by the more advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro model.
• Video Generation: The Pro tier introduces video creation with 3 Veo 3 Fast videos per day (currently in preview).
• Other Benefits: The plan also includes priority access to new features and other Google One benefits, like 2TB of storage.

Google AI Ultra: The Ultimate Plan for Power Users.

For professional teams and individuals with extremely high demands, the Google AI Ultra plan offers the highest level of access and exclusive features. This plan is designed for heavy-duty research and development, with a price point reflecting its capabilities.

• Prompts: You get up to 500 prompts per day with Gemini 2.5 Pro, a staggering 100x increase compared to the free tier.
• Image Generation: Image generation remains at a high of 1,000 per day, matching the Pro plan.
• Context Window: The standard context window is also 1 million tokens, but this tier includes a special feature.
• Deep Research: The daily limit is a massive 200 Deep Research reports per day, providing almost unlimited research capabilities.
• Deep Think: This plan provides exclusive access to the Deep Think reasoning model, with a limit of 10 prompts per day and a 192,000-token context window.
• Video Generation: You can generate up to 5 videos per day using the latest Veo 3 model (currently in preview).
• Other Benefits: AI Ultra subscribers get 30TB of Google One storage, among other premium benefits.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Transparency.

Google's decision to provide specific numbers for its Gemini tiers is a significant step towards greater transparency and user empowerment. It replaces the guesswork with a clear understanding of what each plan offers, allowing users to choose the best option based on their specific needs.

As Google notes, these limits may change over time, but for now, the new breakdown provides a clear roadmap for free and paid Gemini users. This move also highlights Google's commitment to making its AI tools more accessible and predictable, a crucial factor for anyone building a workflow around its capabilities.

Related Post:

• Google Gemini Rolls Out Temporary Chats Option.
• Gemini App Gets a Major Upgrade with the Nano-Banana AI Model.
• Google Launches Gemini Drops Feed to Centralize AI Tips and Updates.