Google Photos Adds AI-Classic Search Toggle

Google is introducing a new toggle in its Photos app that allows users to switch between an AI-powered search feature and the traditional keyword-based method, responding to feedback about the need for greater control over search results.

The update, announced by Shimrit Ben-Yair, lead for Google Photos, Google One, and AI subscriptions, began rolling out this week. It places a simple switch in the upper-left corner of the search results interface, enabling users to alternate between the two modes without navigating deep into settings. Ask Photos, powered by Google's Gemini AI models, supports natural language queries for more complex searches. For example, users can type phrases like "photos of me in a red shirt," "Emma's first bike ride," or even "what's my license plate number?" to retrieve specific images from their library. The AI aims to deliver results that best match the intent of the query, interpreting nuance and context that simpler searches might overlook.

In contrast, the classic search mode relies on short, concise keywords such as "beach," "food," or "dog" to quickly surface relevant photos. This option prioritizes speed, making it ideal for straightforward...