At Wednesday’s Made by Google event, the company announced new features in Google Photos that will allow users to ask the app to edit their pictures for them. The functionality will launch first on Pixel 10 devices in the U.S., allowing people to describe whatever edits they want to make to the photo by either voice or text.
Google is also adding support for C2PA Content Credentials in Google Photos. The Pixel 10 phones will be the first from Google to adopt this standard, which is designed to improve transparency around how images are made and whether AI is involved. On Pixel devices, C2PA is supported with the Camera app itself and in any photos taken with it, even if AI is not used.
The new “edit by asking” feature in Google Photos leverages Gemini so you can ask for changes to a photo using natural language. For instance, you can say things like “remove the cars in the background,” or something less specific, like “restore this old photo,” and Google Photos will take action. The addition could help those who aren’t as tech-savvy or have a good understanding of editing tools to still make adjustments to improve their photos.
The feature can handle tasks like lighting adjustments and removing distractions from the images, as well as more creative edits, like changing the background or adding items to the photo. Google suggests you could use this to add sunglasses and a party hat to the photo’s subject, among other things, for example.
Even if you don’t know what to ask for, you can start with a request for help like “make it better,” and Google Photos will automatically make changes to the image. The app can also offer suggestions of what to fix, and it supports follow-up requests as you continue to fine-tune your edits.
Google says the support for C2PA will come first to Pixel 10 devices and then will roll out gradually to Google Photos across iOS and Android in the weeks ahead. “Edit by asking” launches Wednesday.
We’re always looking to evolve, and by providing some insight into your perspective and feedback into TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can help us! Fill out this survey to let us know how we’re doing and get the chance to win a prize in return!
