Google Refines Gemini-Powered 'Ask Photos' with Subtle UI Changes

Google Photos Tones Down Gemini’s ‘Ask Photos’ Search UI

• Changes in User Interface: In an update to the Android version of Google Photos, Google has toned down the user interface for the Gemini-powered 'Ask Photos' search feature. The previous fullscreen chat-like interface has been revised.
• New Design Elements:
  • The ‘Search’ tab is now labeled as ‘Ask’ with a magnifying glass icon and a small Gemini sparkle.
  • Tapping the bottom bar no longer takes users to a full-screen chat interface; instead, it leads to the classic search screen.
  • This screen includes suggestions like Screenshots, Videos, and Favorites.
  • A smaller ‘Ask’ button at the top allows access to the conversational search feature when needed.
• Reasons for Change: The update aims to make the feature more user-friendly. Most users prefer a standard grid view of results rather than a chat-like interface for searching their photos.
• Current Status:
  • This is an experimental feature in Google Labs, available only in the US with a waitlist.
  • It's part of version 7.14 of Google Photos for Android.