Google’s New Photos Update: This is what you’ll see

Google is testing a potentially significant Google Photos update. This update aims to simplify how users view recognized individuals in their images. App investigator AssembleDebug for Android Authority discovered the new feature within version 7.26 of the Android app. It introduces a more direct way to see identified faces without extra taps and swipes.

The key change in this Google Photos update is a new row of face thumbnails. This row appears at the bottom of the screen when users view a photo. It provides immediate visibility into the individuals the app has detected. Currently, the thumbnails lack labels, but tapping them should reveal more information.

The tech giant’s exact purpose for this accessible face row in the Google Photos update isn’t yet clear. However, it could offer faster access to more photos of a selected person. It might also streamline individual editing options. Google will need to carefully manage screen space. This new row occupies an area often used by other interface elements.

Google Photos already uses facial recognition. This technology groups photos and enables features like person-based searching and “Memories.” This upcoming Google Photos update suggests a continued focus on improving user interaction with these features.