Google Photos has shown a rare example of building out AI features with care for the end-user experience. The recent infusion of Gemini AI into the app has been met with criticism, but a new version of “Ask Photos” addresses speed and functionality concerns.
Initially released as an AI-enhanced search feature, Ask Photos was deemed slow and cumbersome, leading Google to pause its rollout and admit it wasn’t meeting expectations. However, a revised version now meets in the middle between making everything an AI chatbot and preserving user-friendliness.
When searching for specific items like “What did I have for dinner last Saturday,” Photos provides traditional results initially, followed by an AI breakdown after completion. The app also acknowledges when AI isn’t needed, using Gemini to highlight “best match” results without overwhelming users.
This approach marks a departure from aggressive AI adoption seen in other Google products and sets a new standard for user-centric AI integration.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2025/06/29/google-photos-ai-compromise