During Wednesday's product showcase, the tech giant unveiled a groundbreaking editing feature for Google Photos that enables users to request image modifications through natural language commands. This innovative tool will initially be available on Pixel 10 devices in the United States, supporting both voice and text-based instructions for photo adjustments.
The platform has also integrated support for C2PA (Content Credentials) standards to enhance media transparency. Pixel 10 smartphones will serve as the first devices to implement this standard, which documents whether AI was involved in content creation. Notably, C2PA metadata is embedded automatically through the native camera app on Pixel devices, even when no AI tools are utilized.
The new "Ask to Edit" functionality leverages Google's Gemini AI architecture, allowing users to describe desired changes in conversational language. Example requests include "Remove the car in the background" or "Restore this old photograph," with the system executing the requested modifications autonomously. This feature caters particularly to users unfamiliar with traditional editing software by providing accessible AI-driven enhancements.
The technology handles both basic adjustments like lighting corrections and object removals, as well as creative transformations such as background replacements and item insertions. Google suggests applications for adding accessories like sunglasses or party hats to photographic subjects, demonstrating the versatility of the platform's AI capabilities.
For users uncertain about specific requests, the system offers automated enhancement suggestions starting with simple prompts like "Make this better." The AI assistant continues to provide iterative refinement options as users provide additional editing instructions to perfect their images.
C2PA implementation will initially launch on Pixel 10 devices before expanding to iOS and Android versions of Google Photos over the coming weeks. The core "Ask to Edit" functionality becomes available to users today following Wednesday's announcement.
