Google Photos May Finally Get This Video Feature
▼ Summary
– Google is testing a new “Playback speed” option in Google Photos, allowing users to adjust video speeds from 0.25x to 2x.
– A separate feature being tested would let users hide date labels in the Photos grid for a cleaner, more immersive layout.
– These features were discovered in an APK teardown of Google Photos v7.58 but are not yet available to the public.
– The ability to adjust video playback speed has been a long-requested feature for the Google Photos app.
– It is important to note that features found in APK teardowns are based on work-in-progress code and may not be released publicly.
Google Photos is reportedly testing two highly anticipated features that could significantly enhance the user experience for video playback and photo organization. While the service already offers a robust set of tools, these potential additions address common user requests for greater control and a cleaner visual interface. The features were discovered in a teardown of the app’s code, indicating they are in active development, though their public release is not yet guaranteed.
Within the latest version of the app, code suggests Google is working on a video playback speed control. This long-requested functionality would allow users to watch their clips at various speeds. When playing a video, a new option is expected to appear in the menu, letting viewers select from a range of speeds including 0.25x for slow motion, 0.5x, the standard 1x, 1.5x, and 2x for faster viewing. This feature brings Google Photos in line with many other video players and provides much-needed flexibility for reviewing memories.
The second feature focuses on improving the visual layout of your photo library. Code also points to a new toggle that would let users hide date labels in the main photo grid. Activating this setting would remove the chronological separators, creating a seamless, uninterrupted mosaic of images. This offers a more immersive browsing experience, similar to the minimalist grids found in several third-party gallery applications. It’s a simple change that can make scrolling through large collections feel less cluttered and more visually cohesive.
It is important to note that these features are not currently available to the general public. The discoveries come from an APK teardown, which examines work-in-progress code to forecast what might be coming. While this method is a reliable indicator of development priorities, there is always a possibility that such features could be altered, delayed, or even canceled before an official rollout. The toggle to hide dates, for instance, did not yet produce a visible change in the app when tested, suggesting the underlying functionality is still being finalized.
These potential updates highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its popular photos service. The addition of playback speed controls addresses a functional gap for video management, while the option for a cleaner grid caters to users who prioritize aesthetics and a streamlined viewing experience. As development continues, users can look forward to these and other enhancements that make organizing and reliving digital memories more intuitive and personalized.
(Source: Android Authority)
