Google Photos Adds Toggle to Disable AI-Powered ‘Ask Photos’ Search

Google Photos is now offering users more control over their search experience with the introduction of a toggle that allows them to switch between the AI-powered “Ask Photos” feature and a classic search function. This change comes after user feedback indicated a desire for more control and, in some cases, dissatisfaction with the AI-driven results.

Addressing User Concerns

The “Ask Photos” feature, launched in 2024, utilizes Gemini to enable natural language searches within a user’s photo library. Even as offering the ability to ask complex questions like “What’s my license plate number?” or search for specific images, its initial rollout faced challenges, including latency issues and accuracy concerns [TechCrunch]. Some users found that Ask Photos failed to locate certain photos or provided less accurate results compared to the traditional search method.

New Toggle for Search Control

Responding to this feedback, Google Photos lead Shimrit Ben-Yair announced the availability of a toggle that allows users to choose their preferred search experience [The Verge]. The toggle is located in the upper left corner of the search results interface within the Google Photos app [Android Authority]. Switching the toggle off will display results from the classic search, while turning it on will activate the AI-powered Ask Photos results.

Continued Improvements and User Choice

While the toggle provides a direct way to disable Ask Photos, Google has also been working to improve the quality of the AI-powered search, particularly for popular queries [TechCrunch]. Ben-Yair emphasized Google’s commitment to refining the search experience and encouraged users to continue providing feedback. The company will still prioritize results it deems most relevant to the user’s query, even with the toggle set to “on.”

How to Manage Ask Photos

Users who wish to completely disable Gemini in Google Photos can also do so through the app’s settings, although the new toggle offers a more visible and convenient option [TechCrunch].

This update reflects Google’s responsiveness to user concerns and its commitment to providing a customizable experience within Google Photos.