Apr 11, 2024
Google Unveils Free AI-Powered Editing Tools in Google Photos for All Users
Google has announced a major update for its Photos app, making its suite of AI-powered editing tools, including the innovative Magic Editor, free for all users. This update removes the need for a Google One subscription or a Pixel device to access these advanced features, significantly widening their availability.
The highlight of this rollout is the Magic Eraser tool, initially introduced with the Pixel 6 in 2021. Google expanded its availability to all Pixel devices and Google One subscribers last year, even extending support to iOS users. Magic Eraser is known for its ability to effortlessly remove unwanted people, objects, and distractions from photos, with users having the option to manually highlight areas for editing. Additionally, a Camouflage mode is included to subtly alter the color of objects, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
The comprehensive list of tools now available for free includes:
Magic Eraser
Unblur
HDR effects for photos and videos
Portrait blur
Portrait light (including adding and balancing light within the Portrait light tool)
Color pop
Sky suggestions
Cinematic photos
Styles in collage editor
Video effects
These features are set to become accessible on a broader range of devices, including Pixel tablets, and will support Android devices running version 8.0 and above, iOS devices with version 15 and above that have at least 3GB of RAM, and Chromebook Plus devices operating on ChromeOS 118 and above.
Moreover, the Magic Editor feature, previously exclusive to the Pixel 8 series, will now be extended to all Pixel devices. Powered by generative AI, the Magic Editor offers a simple drag-and-drop interface for editing photos akin to Photoshop, allowing for adjustments in subject positioning, size modifications, and even the ability to alter or remove the sky in images.
All Google Photos users on Android and iOS will benefit from 10 free Magic Editor saves per month. For unlimited edits, users will need to own a Pixel device or subscribe to the Google One Premium plan, which offers 2TB of storage or more.
Set to begin on May 15, the rollout of these updates will take several weeks to complete, marking a significant step in making advanced photo editing tools more accessible to a wider audience.
Team Edgerton & Chaires
Articles