Latest news with #GooglePhotos
WIRED
5 hours ago
- Business
- WIRED
Apple's Big OS Rebrand, OnePlus Embraces AI, and Samsung's Next Folds—Your Gear News of the Week
Plus: Google celebrates the 10th anniversary of Google Photos with a new editing interface for its 1.5 billion monthly users. Craig Federighi, senior VP of software engineering at Apple, delivers remarks at the start of the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, 2024. Photograph:All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Confused by Apple's naming conventions? You're not the only one. Bloomberg reports that this year at WWDC, Apple plans to announce a broad overhaul of all of its operating systems. That includes renaming them to be more consistent. Starting this year, Apple will reportedly begin denoting each OS version for each product by year, instead of by version. Confusingly, it will start with the next year, rather than this year (just like cars). So the versions we'll see at this year's WWDC will not be iOS 25, but rather iOS 26, watchOS 26, and so on, in place of iOS 19 and watchOS 12. The move is reportedly part of a larger push toward a cohesive user experience across platforms. The overhaul could encompass everything from updated icons, apps, buttons, and a fresh design language, and it's expected to be universal across all the operating systems. Apple's fundamentally simple and irresistible user interface is a core part of the company's DNA, so it will be interesting to see how customers react to a big redesign (hopefully better than the Apple Photos redesign). We'll find out at WWDC, which kicks off on June 9 at 1 pm ET. —Adrienne So OnePlus Succumbs to AI After a light smattering of features when it launched the OnePlus 13 in January, OnePlus is now ready to go all in on AI for its phones. Its approach is quite similar to what Nothing introduced a few months ago on the Nothing Phone (3a) series: a dedicated AI button on the side of the phone, though this one replaces the original OnePlus Alert Slider. Dubbed the Plus Key, you can customize it to trigger specific apps or shortcuts on the phone, with an interface that looks almost exactly like Apple's Action Button. By default, it launches AI Plus Mind, a system that will save whatever's on the screen so you can recall it later. The idea is that you'll press it when you see an ad for a concert while browsing, or an event invite—pressing the Plus Key will save the relevant info in the companion app, and the app will extract helpful info to create a calendar event on your behalf. The Plus Key and AI Plus Mind will debut first on the OnePlus 13s, a phone launching in select markets this June; it's not coming to the US. Later this year, the AI features will roll out to the OnePlus 13 series, with other devices to follow. OnePlus says it's actively working on more features like AI VoiceScribe, to record, summarize, and translate calls and meetings; AI Translation, to consolidate all translation capabilities into one app; and AI Reframe, to adjust the composition of your shots with generative AI. Samsung's Next Folding Phones are Coming Samsung is rumored to announce its next generation of folding phones sometime this summer—the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7—and the company officially confirmed this in a blog post announcing the rollout of the One UI 8 beta program. One UI is the name of Samsung's Android layer, and version eight is based on the upcoming version of Android 16. While the beta program will be available for existing devices, Samsung says One UI 8 will 'debut on Samsung's newest foldables this summer,' making them the first to run Android 16. That's a break from the norm, as Google historically made its Pixel devices the first to run the latest version of Android. This is likely because Google moved up the Android 16 window; instead of arriving in October, it's coming midsummer. Google Photos Turns 10 Google celebrated the 10th anniversary of Google Photos on May 28, and it has dished out a few new features to mark the occasion, including making a few Pixel 9-exclusive capabilities—like the Reimagine and Auto Frame AI features—more broadly available. A redesigned editor now also shows more editing tools at a glance, and you can also select parts of the image to access specific tools instead of hunting for them in menus. For example, tap the background of an image to pull up the portrait blur tool so you can adjust the strength of the background blur effect. A new 'AI Enhance' button will also merge several of Google's AI capabilities, like Magic Eraser, with other standard editing tools for a faster edit. The new redesigned editing layout will roll out to Android devices in June, with iOS getting the update later this year. Also new is the capability to generate a QR code to share albums with people around you (or print it out for group events). You can let folks who scan the code add their own images to the album, too. Ricoh Has a New Pocket Camera Ricoh has announced the GR IV pocket camera, the successor to the GR III, one of the best pocket cameras I've ever tested. The GR IV has a new lens with seven elements, but it remains the same focal length: 18.3mm f/2.8 (roughly 28mm in 35mm equivalent). So far, no word on whether there will be a GR IVx to replace the 40mm lens model. The GR IV has an updated APS-C sensor that bumps the resolution slightly from 24 megapixels to 26. The neutral density filter remains, and while the outside appears to have been redesigned, with slightly different buttons, the basic silhouette is the same. Like the GR III, there is no flash. A built-in flash would be nice (the GR II had one), but the ISO range of the GR IV is better, reaching 204,800 ISO at the top end, which should help with low-light photography. There's also five-axis stabilization (up from the three-axis of the GR III). Perhaps the most interesting news for fans of the GR camera series is that there will be face and eye detection autofocus tracking, which would seem to mean autofocus has been improved. If the GR III has a weakness, it's autofocus. There will also be 53 gigabytes of built-in storage (usable), which is perfect for a camera like this, though my enthusiasm for that is tempered by the fact that the GR IV will use microSD cards rather than full-size SD. The GR IV is set to arrive this fall, with another model featuring a Highlight Diffusion Filter coming "after winter 2025." Interestingly, Ricoh says production and shipment of the Ricoh GR III will stop in July 2025, due to difficulty in procuring parts and components. The 40mm GRIIIx will continue to be sold for now. — Scott Gilbertson
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Google announces new AI editor for quicker photo fixes
As Google this week celebrates ten years of its Photos offering, the company launched a redesigned AI-powered editor that consolidates multiple tools and features for easier photo fixes. The new AI editor gives users suggestions to fix their images, and brings major editing tools to one location. These can be used for overall edits as well as to get suggestions or edits for specific parts of an image. Google also announced that tools such as Reimagine and Auto Frame, which were launched as part of the AI-powered Magic Editor offering for Pixel 9, would be coming to more devices. These GenAI features will be placed near other standard photo editing controls. Google said the new editor would begin rolling out globally to Android devices next month while iOS users will get the update later in the year. In addition to this, Google announced an easier way to share photo albums with others. Users can now generate QR codes to let people near them easily view albums or even get photos printed. Those with the QR code can also add photos. 'Today, more than 1.5 billion people use Google Photos each month, with over 9 trillion total photos and videos stored. Every month, you perform more than 370 million searches, share 440 million memories and edit 210 million photos,' said Shimrit Ben-Yair, Vice President, Google Photos & Google One in the post.
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Google Photos Is Getting an Editor Overhaul and New Sharing Features for Its 10th Birthday
Google Photos is 10 years old, and the search giant celebrated the milestone with a blog post announcing new features on the way and some tips to get the most out of your Photos experience. Previous Pixel 9-exclusive features will soon be headed to more devices and be easier to find in the app. This includes Auto Frame, which extends the background of a photo, and Reimagine, which regenerates a selected portion of a photo with just a text prompt. But the biggest announcement is that the photo editor itself is getting a huge redesign. The new editor looks more streamlined and falls in line with Material 3 Expressive, Google's new visual overhaul for Android 16 that's more colorful and animated. Google says Photos will get even smarter over time by, "pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI, unlocking new ways to relive, connect and share memories." For more, don't miss Android 16's big visual redesign, which is available in the latest beta. Google toots its horn with Photos stats Over 10 years, Google Photos has gained a lot of traction. Over 1.5 billion people use the app or website every month. 9 trillion photos and videos have been stored through the service. Every month, Google says, 370 million searches are performed, 440 million memories are shared and 210 million photos are edited. An updated photo editor that's easier to use The upcoming photo editor redesign put all of the editing tools in the same place for easier access. Other features include new AI suggestions that will combine multiple effects at once to enhance your photos. Here's one of the new features in the Google Photos editor redesign Google The new photo editor will begin rolling out globally to Android users starting next month and iOS users later this year. For more, don't miss the latest on Project Astra that Google shared during its I/O conference earlier this month.
GSM Arena
2 days ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Google Photos celebrates 10 years with a new editor
Google Photos has turned ten years old, believe it or not. To celebrate the occasion, it's received some new features. First, a redesigned editor, which provides helpful suggestions (including AI suggestions that combine multiple effects). You can also tap an area of an image to only get suggestions for it. Reimagine and Auto frame are located alongside brightness and contrast controls. The new editor is rolling out globally next month on Android, with iOS following "later this year". New editor Next, you can share albums with QR codes, and create a personal montage to share, and even revisit the places you've been with the new Places feature found under the collections tab. All of your photos will be seen here geographically pinned on an interactive map. Search is better and you can ask exactly what you're looking for without worrying about using a keyword. Google notes that for best results you should always name the faces in your photos. The app also lets you remove items that are already backed up in order to free up space on your device. Google Photos will keep whipping up Best of Month and Year End Recaps automatically, and you can personalize what you see in your grid by letting the app stack similar pictures that were taken close together, or hide screenshots, GIFs and memes. Speaking of customization, you can hide specific people, pets, or dates, as well as choose between time-based or themed memories. Source
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
69 (Nice) Hilarious Photos
Finally, a reason to return to office. Okay, Michael Scott. Assie and Potato are both great contenders. Regina George, is that you? Well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of my own actions... Let's keep it moving, people. God hasn't got all day. This has a bit of an ominous undertone. A little bleak for a Valentine, but I'll take it! Can't argue with that. These coworkers are keepers. Nothing wrong with a little compliment to start your trip! ...Okay, I guess that makes sense. :/ I used to do this to people, and I can confirm that it also brought me a laugh. I'm glad this person specified. I think I'm okay with Wendy's real fresh beaver, but thanks. I understood that reference!!!! Good one, Eggies. Grandpa really phoned it in here. I wasn't planning on it, but I'll still try to be extra mindful. Vandalism and defacing property are fine if it adds humorous value. ...Okay, thanks for that, Google Maps. Once again, thanks, Google. If I were a thief, this would convince me! Hey, I'm still glad you made it home safely! From now on, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is what I will be writing when I don't know the answer to something. I don't think the teacher intended for their "pushing" to feel like this. "Sorry for the thing, first of all," is going to enter my vernacular now. Considering I still wake up with night sweats thinking of this terrible sound from my fourth-grade music class, I'd take one. How wholesome! SOYLENT GREEN!!! Phew. I'm sure glad I didn't bring my nuclear missiles here. SECURITY!!! GET HIM!!!! I hate that I laughed at this. I'm turning into such a Dad. Relatable. This is also my face when people tell me to smile. Good to know! I see what you did there. And there. Hey, how'd they know about my drawer??? He's not wrong. I think Mike misunderstood the he understood it way better than the prior two writers did, depending on how you look at it. Might as well call them "poors" at this point. This is a nice sentiment, I guess? I guess we'll go ahead and trespass, then! I see what you did there, Wal-Mart. This is a solid use of money. As was this. I might have to do this with my ex's number. I feel like they should've spent a *little* more time thinking about the design of this anti-drunk driving pencil, but maybe that's just me. Hm. I didn't realize Dr. Pepper was a form of payment. See #22. that's okay, I'm not that hungry. Now the crack looks intentional! Way to call Andy out. Leave them alone! They're preparing for Jurassic World Rebirth! Well, that's unlucky. Damn, imagine being burned by Google Photos. Super important to blur those wheels! I didn't think my pancreas hated me until now!!! Bags have feelings, too! I'm glad we cleared that up. Oh...I guess I don't want a popsicle after all. Or this corn. That's certainly one solution to macbooks removing their HDMI port... The perfect size for the giant up the beanstalk! ...OK? That's one way to advertise! Wow, it's amazing what nine years of study can do. And one, Netflix. H/T: r/Funny
