Google’s AI-Powered ‘Ask Photos’ Search Returns With Speed Boost
▼ Summary
– Google is expanding access to its AI-powered “Ask Photos” search tool in Google Photos after pausing its rollout earlier.
– The feature, powered by Gemini AI models, allows users to ask complex questions to find photos but faced issues with latency, quality, and user experience.
– Google acknowledged feedback and improved the tool to return faster results for simple searches like “beach” or “dogs” while processing complex queries in the background.
– The updated feature now shows immediate results for simple searches while Gemini AI continues refining responses for more complicated requests.
– Google is rolling out the improved “Ask Photos” feature to more eligible users in the US, expanding beyond its early access phase.
Google has reintroduced its AI-powered “Ask Photos” search feature with significant speed improvements after temporarily halting its rollout. The tool, powered by Gemini AI models, allows users to ask detailed questions to locate specific images in their photo libraries. Earlier this month, Google acknowledged the feature wasn’t meeting expectations for response time, accuracy, and user experience.
Responding to feedback, the company has optimized the system to deliver faster results for basic searches like “beach” or “dogs.” Users will now see immediate results for simpler queries while Gemini continues processing more complex requests in the background. This dual approach aims to balance speed with precision, addressing earlier concerns about lag.
Google also announced broader availability, expanding beyond early testers to more eligible users across the U.S. The enhanced version maintains the tool’s original functionality, letting people search photos using natural language, while refining performance. For example, asking “show me license plates from my trip to Maine” would still trigger a deep search, but queries like “birthday cakes” now populate almost instantly.
The update reflects Google’s iterative approach to AI features, prioritizing real-world usability over rushed releases. As the company scales access, it continues adjusting the balance between computational power and responsiveness. The revamped “Ask Photos” could become a staple for those managing large image collections, provided it delivers consistently on its promises.
(Source: The Verge)
