10
Jan
Google Photos’ Innovative AI-Powered Editing Tool
In 2023, Google introduced an innovative feature named Magic Editor during its Google I/O conference. Exclusive to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro within the Google Photos app, this cutting-edge tool utilizes advanced AI to redefine photo editing, surpassing the existing tools by enabling users to execute complex edits effortlessly.
What is the Magic Editor in Google Photos?
Google Photos has remained a popular photo gallery and editing app for Android users, initially gaining fame through its offer of unlimited high-quality photo backups. Despite changes in this offering, the app's popularity endures due to its consistent integration of new features.
The Magic Editor stands as a testament to Google's commitment to enhancing Google Photos' utility. Leveraging generative AI and advanced techniques, this feature empowers users to perform sophisticated edits on their photos without necessitating professional-level editing skills.
Using the Magic Editor, users can transform their images in remarkable ways. It allows for alterations such as changing sky colors and patterns, stylizing images, relocating objects or people within a photo, resizing elements, and effortlessly erasing undesired elements. The tool's ability to adapt enables the creation of highly realistic edits. Google ensures that the metadata of images edited using the Magic Editor will indicate the feature's usage. However, it's worth noting that stripping image metadata is a straightforward process, potentially blurring the lines between real and edited images. When executed effectively, the Magic Editor produces remarkably lifelike results, capable of deceiving viewers.
In our tests, the Magic Editor did not consistently yield accurate results. Google acknowledges that the feature is in its early stages of development and might not always deliver perfectly. However, the company intends to leverage user feedback to refine the Magic Editor over time.
How to Use the Magic Editor in Google Photos?
The Magic Editor resides within the Google Photos app and can be accessed when editing an image. Unlike other Google editing tools, the Magic Editor has its dedicated space within Google Photos:
Select an image you wish to edit in Google Photos.
Choose the "Edit" option.
Look for the Magic Editor button, located in the upper left corner above the "Cancel" option.
Select the Magic Editor, and you'll be prompted with an explanation of the feature.
Agree to Google's GenAI terms by tapping "Try now" to commence using the Magic Editor.
Upon initiating the Magic Editor, users are presented with a range of editing options. Additionally, users can generate multiple edits if unsatisfied with the initial results.
Changing Backgrounds and Image Styles Using the Magic Editor?
A significant advantage of the Magic Editor is its capability to transform the entire appearance of an image, including its background. Users are offered three options to modify backgrounds and styles: "Sky," "Golden Hour," and "Stylized." The first two choices cater to outdoor images, manipulating sky and sunlight. For indoor shots, users will encounter "Sky" and "Golden Hour" as editing options. In instances where the image isn't captured outdoors, only the "Stylized" option will be available.
Let's delve into the functionalities of each of these Magic Editor options:
The Sky option facilitates the addition or removal of clouds and other sky elements, providing various sky options.
The Golden Hour option can transform a dull sky into a vibrant golden-hour sunset.
The Stylize option alters the photo's style by applying distinct effects.
Resizing, Repositioning, and Object Removal with the Magic Editor
Another noteworthy aspect of the Magic Editor is its ability to reposition objects and human subjects within an image, optimizing their placement within the frame. Users can resize elements or entirely remove multiple elements to enhance their photos. Beyond simply removing and replacing objects, the Magic Editor employs generative AI to fill visual information in place of edited, resized, or deleted elements.
To resize or reposition an object within an image, users can tap, circle, or brush to select the desired elements for modification. Once selected, objects can be smoothly moved across the frame to the preferred location.
Pinching and expanding gestures enable users to adjust the size of objects or elements.
Moreover, the tool offers a feature to entirely erase elements from the scene, delivering superior background repair compared to Google's existing Magic Eraser tool.
Pro tip: Zooming into an image facilitates a more precise selection of objects or elements for manipulation.
Overall, while the Magic Editor showcases significant potential, its accuracy in producing desired results is still a work in progress. Google aims to refine the feature over time based on user feedback.
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