Google Photos Enhances Viewer with Streamlined Design and Features

Google Photos has recently introduced significant enhancements to its viewer, aiming to improve user experience through a streamlined design. The latest update, which is rolling out with version 7.42, simplifies the interface and enhances accessibility to critical information.

The updated viewer prominently displays metadata, including the date, time, and location of each photo, at the top of the screen. This change reduces the need for users to swipe to access this information, making it more convenient to view essential details. The layout remains uncluttered, ensuring that the added information does not interfere with the overall viewing experience.

Key Features of the Redesign

According to a report from 9to5Google, the new viewer includes a pill-shaped button for playing motion pictures, while the previously featured ‘Cast’ icon has been relocated to a new three-dot menu. This menu provides shortcuts to various functionalities, such as accessing Google Lens and creating collages or cinematic photos.

The three-dot menu also includes options to star photos, order images, use them as wallpapers, initiate slideshows, download, delete, print, and access help and feedback. Previously, some of these options were buried within the info or metadata menu. The redesign features a light background theme, enhancing visibility and user engagement.

Minor adjustments have also been made to the bottom menu. The Lens icon has been replaced with an ‘Add to’ option, allowing users to add images to an album, archive, or locked folder. The ‘Share’, ‘Edit’, and ‘Trash’ options remain unchanged, although the edit icon has been slightly simplified for easier access.

The rollout of the Google Photos viewer redesign is currently underway for Android users, making these new features available to a broad audience. This update reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to enhance the functionality and usability of its applications, ensuring that users can navigate and enjoy their photo collections with greater ease.