Google has introduced a new set of AI-powered updates for Google Photos, making photo editing faster while also giving users more control over the app experience.
The latest update adds a new camera shortcut for AI editing tools and finally solves a common user complaint by allowing people to disable the animated “Shimmer” effect.
The update is currently rolling out with the latest version of Google Photos for Android.
Users Can Disable the Shimmer Animation
The biggest change in this update is the option to turn off the Shimmer effect.
This AI-powered animation highlights people and objects in photos that can be edited, converted into stickers, or used with other creative tools.
While Google introduced this feature to make AI editing easier to discover, many users found the moving outlines distracting while simply viewing their photo gallery.
With the new update, users can disable the animation from the Photos View settings and enjoy a cleaner, distraction-free browsing experience.
New Camera Shortcut Makes AI Editing Faster
Google Photos has also added a new camera shortcut inside its AI creative tools.
Earlier, users had to choose an existing photo from their gallery before using AI features such as Remix, Photo to Video, and other creative options.
Now, a dedicated camera button allows users to capture a new photo instantly and use it directly with AI editing tools.
This makes creating AI-generated edits quicker and more convenient.
Google Photos Gets a Cleaner Look
The update also improves the overall design of the Google Photos app.
Some sections of the settings menu are now receiving Google’s latest Material 3 Expressive design, which brings:
Cleaner layouts
Better spacing
More organised settings
Although the redesign has not reached every part of the app yet, Google is gradually updating different sections to improve navigation.
AI Features Continue to Grow in Google Photos
Google has been adding more AI capabilities to Photos over the past year.
Users can already search their photo collections using natural language, create AI-powered edits, generate creative images, and select objects intelligently.
With these latest changes, Google is focusing on making AI tools more useful while also ensuring users have more control over how these features appear.
A Better Balance Between AI and User Experience
The latest Google Photos update shows the company’s effort to combine advanced AI features with user preferences.
While AI editing tools are becoming more powerful, the option to remove the Shimmer effect proves that Google is also listening to user feedback and reducing unnecessary distractions.
As Google Photos continues to evolve, future updates are expected to bring more AI-based editing and search features while giving users greater control over their experience.
