Google has introduced a new toggle in its Google Photos app, allowing users to switch between the AI-powered Ask Photos search feature and the traditional classic search experience. This change comes in response to user feedback expressing dissatisfaction with the AI-driven search’s performance and accuracy.
The Ask Photos feature, launched in the U.S. in 2024, enables users to search their photo libraries using natural language queries, including complex requests. However, its rollout faced challenges, including a temporary pause last summer to address issues related to latency and user experience. Despite these efforts, some users continued to report that the AI-powered search failed to locate certain photos and was less accurate than the previous search functionality.
Previously, users could disable the Ask Photos feature through the app’s settings, but this option was not prominently displayed and often overlooked. To address this, Google has now implemented a more visible toggle button on the search screen, allowing users to easily switch between the AI-powered and classic search experiences. The company stated that it will prioritize displaying results that best match the user’s query, regardless of the selected search mode.
Shimrit Ben-Yair, the lead for Google Photos, acknowledged the user feedback in a post on X, stating, We’ve heard your feedback that you want more control over the type of results you see when searching in Google Photos. She also mentioned that Google has improved the quality of some of the most popular searches based on user input. Ben-Yair emphasized the company’s commitment to refining the search experience, encouraging users to continue providing feedback to help build a more effective and user-friendly platform.
This development highlights Google’s responsiveness to user concerns and its dedication to enhancing the functionality and user experience of its products.
