Google is expanding the capabilities of its Gemini app on Android by rolling out a new integration with Google Photos. After a preview last month, this feature is now gradually becoming available to a select group of invited users in the US, marking a significant step in making personal photo management more intelligent and conversational.
The new Google Photos extension within the Gemini app is designed with two main components:
- Smart Photo Search: Users can now find their backed-up images and videos using natural language prompts. The search can be based on:
- Face groups or relationships saved in Google Photos
- Location or date when the photo was taken
- Descriptions of what appears in the photo
- The context of the current conversation with Gemini
Example prompts include:
- “Find my photos of Charlie”
- “Show my photos from last summer”
- “Show me recent selfies”
- “Show my photos from my most recent trip”
- “Find my photos of landscapes”
- Ask for Details in Photos: This component mirrors the standalone “Ask Photos” feature in Google Photos, allowing users to extract important details from their photo library. Prompts can include:
- “@Google Photos what themes have we had for Lena’s birthday parties?”
- “What did we eat at the hotel in Hilton?”
- “What were some of the things we ate in New York?”
- “What are the top 10 things we saw on our last trip?”
- “What’s my driver’s license number?”
How It Works
When users issue a prompt, Gemini can surface relevant images or albums directly in the conversation. Tapping on a result opens the Google Photos app for a closer look, while a “Show more” option allows users to browse additional results inline.
Enabling the Integration
To activate the Google Photos extension in Gemini:
- Open the Gemini app
- Tap the profile menu in the top-right corner
- Navigate to “Apps”
- Scroll to the “Media” section and select “Google Photos”
The extension appears alongside other media integrations like Spotify, YouTube, and YouTube Music. Additionally, Google has updated the Gemini app with a more detailed Google Workspace card, offering clearer explanations of what users can do with Gmail, Google Calendar, and other services.
Currently, the Google Photos integration is rolling out gradually to a select group of invited users on Android in the US. There is no word yet on when it will be available more broadly or on other platforms
