Google Photos May Reverse Controversial Updates
▼ Summary
– Google is reversing some unpopular changes made to its Photos app’s photo editor, which had frustrated users with a confusing redesign.
– The update restores a bottom toolbar for quick access to editing tools like Crop and Adjust, reducing the number of taps needed.
– It also brings back the dedicated Crop menu and replaces the “Help Me Edit” box with a more compact “Ask” button.
– A new “Explore” feed, inspired by TikTok, is being tested to show a curated, vertical-scrolling feed of videos.
– These changes are currently rolling out to a limited number of users as part of Google’s ongoing testing process.
Google appears to be walking back some of its recent, unpopular changes to the photo editor within its Photos app. The company is testing a revised interface that brings back several familiar elements, directly responding to user feedback about the previous redesign being cumbersome and slow. Alongside this editor overhaul, Google is also experimenting with a new Explore feed that takes inspiration from platforms like TikTok, suggesting a broader push to make the app more engaging and video-centric.
The initial redesign, launched last year to mark the app’s tenth anniversary, was met with significant criticism. Users found the new layout confusing, with essential editing tools buried under additional menus. The process of finding simple options like crop or adjust became frustratingly slow. Now, in a welcome move for many, Google is testing a version that restores a more intuitive layout.
One of the most notable reversals is the return of a toolbar carousel at the bottom of the screen. Tools such as Crop, Adjust, and Filters are once again accessible with a single tap, rather than requiring users to first tap a “Tools” button. This brings the interface much closer to its pre-redesign state, streamlining the editing workflow. The dedicated Crop menu, which was eliminated last year, has also made a comeback.
Despite this return to a more familiar foundation, the new test interface isn’t a complete reversion. It seems to retain quick-access buttons for AI-powered features like Enhance and Dynamic. Furthermore, the “Help Me Edit” prompt has been replaced with a more compact “Ask” button, reminiscent of a YouTube search bar, which expands into an input field when tapped. Minor visual tweaks are also present, with action labels now displayed inside pill-shaped containers that highlight when selected.
This updated editor is currently available to a limited number of users. Early reports indicate it’s appearing for some individuals on devices like the Pixel 7, running a specific version of the Google Photos app. The rollout appears to be a controlled test, so it may be some time before all users see the changes.
In a separate but concurrent development, Google is testing a new Explore option on the app’s main screen. Previously spotted under the name “Related,” this feature creates a vertically scrolling video feed. The content seems to be curated algorithmically, potentially based on factors like the subjects, locations, or people in a user’s existing photo library. This move clearly aims to boost engagement by offering a endless, TikTok-style stream of personalized video content.
Similar to the editor changes, the Explore feed is in a limited testing phase with only a small group of users. It remains unclear whether this is a brief experiment or the beginning of a wider launch. Google often uses these small-scale tests to gauge user reaction before committing to a full release, so the future of both features will depend on the feedback received during this period.
(Source: Android Authority)
