Google has paused the rollout of its AI-driven “Ask Photos” feature in Google Photos, citing issues related to latency, quality, and overall user experience. This decision comes shortly after the feature’s limited release to select users in the U.S.
Understanding ‘Ask Photos’
“Ask Photos” is designed to enhance the way users interact with their photo libraries by leveraging Google’s Gemini AI. The feature allows users to pose natural language questions like, “Show me Halloween costumes over the years” or “When did my child learn to swim?” The AI interprets these queries, analyzes the user’s photos, and retrieves relevant images based on context, facial recognition, location data, and even text within images.
To utilize “Ask Photos,” users are prompted to review the feature’s functionality, confirm data access permissions, and verify that correct names are attached to people in their photos. Additionally, users need to set relationships for individuals and pets in their library.
Reasons for the Pause
Jamie Aspinall, Group Product Manager for Google Photos, announced on social media that the deployment has been halted at “very small numbers” while improvements are made. The team aims to address issues with latency, quality, and overall user experience. A revised version is expected in about two weeks, aiming to restore search speed and relevance.
Privacy Considerations
Given the personal nature of photo libraries, privacy is a significant concern. Google has stated that personal data in Google Photos is never used for advertising purposes. User interactions with “Ask Photos” are not reviewed by humans unless feedback is provided or in rare cases to address abuse or harm. Furthermore, no generative AI products outside of Google Photos, including other Gemini models and products, are trained on this personal data.
Future Outlook
Despite the current pause, Google remains committed to enhancing “Ask Photos” and integrating AI capabilities across its services. The company plans to refine the feature based on user feedback and technical improvements. As the rollout continues, more users are expected to gain access to “Ask Photos” in the coming weeks.
For users interested in experiencing “Ask Photos,” Google has provided a waitlist for early access. As the company works on improvements, users can look forward to a more refined and efficient photo search experience in the near future.
