Google is testing three important new Google Photos features
Google is testing a selection of new Google Photos features that can make it easier to share photos and videos with your partner, organize your Photos library, and make sure you don’t miss important events.
The details, once again, come from the app expert assembledebug, are now publishing their findings on their blog. This information was revealed through analyzing the underlying code of the Google Photos app, which could sometimes detect inactive code snippets and text related to unreleased features, such as the one detailed below:
Improve partner sharing
A new sharing shortcut is being tested that will let you share an album with your partner in a single tap instead of having to navigate your way through the sharing menu to select your partner from a list.
After designating one of your contacts as your partner from the initial setup screen, you’ll be able to share media directly with that person using a new shortcut. According to the report, this feature does not support adding more than one contact to your sharing shortcut.
What’s confusing is that the Partner Shortcuts function is completely separate from the Google Photos “Partner Sharing” feature, which enables users to automatically share photos and videos with a partner’s account as soon as they’re backed up.
Archive albums automatically
Another new feature allows you to automatically move albums to the archive after a period of thirty days (see below). Personally, I’m not sure why users would want this feature, but Google clearly thinks it’s important enough to warrant testing.
What is Google Photos Store?
Google Photos Archive is a place where you can store albums, photos, and videos that you don’t want to show up when you scroll through your library. This will also ensure that they do not appear in any automatically created movies or animations.
For even more security, you can move content to a locked folder, which locks your photos behind an additional passcode challenge. Both archives and locked folders can now be backed up online.
Calendar integration – reminders and events
Also hidden in the code are hints of a new function to create reminders in your Google Calendar directly from Google Photos.
The code reveals the ability to create a calendar event with configurable time, title, and duration fields, as well as a permission request message that reads:
“The Google Photos app needs access to your calendar to let you create calendar events, like setting reminders. On the following screen, change your calendar’s permissions from Allow to Allow.
Again, it’s unclear how Google will use this capability; Perhaps there could be integration between the Google Photos “Memories” feature and Google Calendar or, as AssembleDebug speculates, the ability to scan photos for appointments and invitations and automatically convert them into calendar events.
For example, you can take a photo of an appointment letter or party invitation and Google Calendar can automatically send you a timely reminder without having to manually enter the information.
Both auto-collection and Google Photos reminders are likely to appear particularly obvious to paying Google One subscribers, given that text within the app code reads, “As a Google One member, you can choose between reminders, auto- -Can unlock collectibles and more.”
It’s important to remember that these features are not currently enabled in the Google Photos app and, because they are only testing, may be subject to significant change – if they are ever implemented. However, I certainly hope they do. The Partner shortcut alone will eliminate a lot of repetitive efforts, and who knows what important meetings the reminder function could save you from missing?
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