Google One Subscription No Longer Required for Enhanced Google Photos Editing Features
Google has opened up its suite of AI-powered editing tools on Google Photos to all users, regardless of whether they use Android or iOS devices. This expansion encompasses popular features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait light, which were previously exclusive to the Pixel 7 series. Alongside these, non-Pixel users will also gain access to the Magic Editor tool, albeit with some limitations, which was originally introduced with the Pixel 8 series. This move underscores Google’s commitment to democratizing access to advanced photo editing capabilities, making them available to a wider audience.
Dina Berrada, Director of Product Management at Google Photos, unveiled this significant development, revealing that these AI-powered editing tools will become available to all users starting May 15, without the need for a subscription. This move marks a departure from the previous requirement of a Google One subscription to access these advanced editing features. Moreover, the availability of these tools will extend to more devices, including Pixel tablets, expanding the reach of Google’s editing capabilities across its ecosystem.
Among the standout features is the Magic Eraser, which automates the removal of unwanted objects from photos. This functionality is akin to similar offerings from other smartphone manufacturers, such as Oppo’s AI Erase and Samsung’s Object Eraser. Additionally, the Photo Unblur feature leverages machine learning and facial recognition to enhance the clarity of blurred images, particularly emphasizing facial features. Meanwhile, Portrait light empowers users to adjust the position and intensity of light sources in portrait shots, offering greater flexibility and creative control over lighting effects.
By bringing these advanced editing tools to a wider audience, Google aims to empower users to elevate their photography and editing skills, irrespective of their device preferences. This move aligns with Google’s broader strategy of enhancing user experiences across its ecosystem and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and accessibility in the realm of digital imaging.
Google, in a major announcement, made the artificial intelligence (AI) editing tools on its Google Photos app available to all Android and iOS users on Wednesday. This includes the Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait light features introduced with the Pixel 7 series. Additionally, non-Pixel users will also get limited usage of the Magic Editor tool which was launched with the Pixel 8 series. Notably, the tech giant has made several major announcements this week including adding a new app to Workspace and bringing Gemini 1.5 Pro to public preview.
The announcement was made by Dina Berrada, Director of Product Management, Google Photos, who said, “Starting on May 15, many of our AI-powered editing tools — like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur and Portrait light — will be available to anyone using Google Photos, no subscription required. You’ll also be able to access these features on more devices, including Pixel tablets.”
The Magic Eraser feature is similar to Oppo’s AI Erase and Samsung’s Object Eraser. When a user circles a background object in a photo, the AI automatically removes it, while restoring the background elements. Photo Unblur, according to Google, uses machine learning and facial recognition to sharpen blurred images and clarify facial features. Portrait light can change the position of the source of light in an image with fewer than four people. Users can also change the intensity of light using a slider. All these three features will be available to all Android and iOS users for free.