HomeGoogle Yields to User Backlash Over AI ‘Ask Photos’ Search Feature
Responding to user concerns about AI integration in everyday applications, Google has introduced a toggle in Google Photos that allows users to revert to the faster, traditional “classic” search experience instead of the newer AI-driven “Ask Photos” feature.
Launched in the U.S. in 2024, Ask Photos enables users to search their photo libraries using natural language, including complex queries. The rollout was briefly paused last summer to address latency issues following user feedback.
Some Google Photos users never embraced the AI-powered experience, citing issues with accuracy and the feature’s inability to locate certain photos compared to previous methods.
Although Google previously provided an option to disable Gemini in Google Photos, it was hidden within the settings and often overlooked by users.
The company now offers a more visible and user-friendly way to switch between the two search modes. A new toggle button on the search screen allows users to disable Ask Photos AI search and view classic results. However, Google will still prioritize results that best match the user’s query.
In an announcement shared by Google Photos lead Shimrit Ben-Yair, the company indicated that this change was driven by user complaints regarding the Ask Photos feature. In a post on X, Ben-Yair stated, “We’ve heard your feedback that you want more control over the type of results you see when searching in Google Photos.”
The executive also noted that Google has enhanced the quality of some of the most popular searches, based on user feedback.
“We know search in Photos is one of the most loved and used features and we’re committed to getting this experience right, so please keep the feedback coming! It helps us build a more magical experience for everyone,” she said.
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Responding to user concerns about AI integration in everyday applications, Google has introduced a toggle in Google Photos that allows users to revert to the faster, traditional “classic” search experience instead of the newer AI-driven “Ask Photos” feature.
Launched in the U.S. in 2024, Ask Photos enables users to search their photo libraries using natural language, including complex queries. The rollout was briefly paused last summer to address latency issues following user feedback.
Some Google Photos users never embraced the AI-powered experience, citing issues with accuracy and the feature’s inability to locate certain photos compared to previous methods.
Although Google previously provided an option to disable Gemini in Google Photos, it was hidden within the settings and often overlooked by users.
The company now offers a more visible and user-friendly way to switch between the two search modes. A new toggle button on the search screen allows users to disable Ask Photos AI search and view classic results. However, Google will still prioritize results that best match the user’s query.
In an announcement shared by Google Photos lead Shimrit Ben-Yair, the company indicated that this change was driven by user complaints regarding the Ask Photos feature. In a post on X, Ben-Yair stated, “We’ve heard your feedback that you want more control over the type of results you see when searching in Google Photos.”
The executive also noted that Google has enhanced the quality of some of the most popular searches, based on user feedback.
“We know search in Photos is one of the most loved and used features and we’re committed to getting this experience right, so please keep the feedback coming! It helps us build a more magical experience for everyone,” she said.
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