Google Photos is undergoing some major changes with the introduction of Collections, a new feature that is aimed at simplifying the way users organize and access their photos and albums. This update comes as part of Google’s efforts to enhance the overall user experience and make it easier for people to find and manage their content.
What is Collections?
Collections is a new destination within Google Photos that serves as a hub for all of your albums. This includes your private albums, shared albums from other users, as well as new folders for specific categories such as people, pets, documents, and places. The goal of Collections is to streamline the organization of your photos and make it more intuitive to navigate through your content.
Redesigned Search Tab
In addition to the introduction of Collections, Google Photos has also revamped the search tab. The previous image tiles have been replaced with a list of suggested options like Screenshots, Selfies, and Menus. This redesign aims to make it easier for users to quickly locate specific types of photos within their library.
User Interface Changes
The Collections view replaces the existing library tab, but retains the familiar bookshelf-style icon. This update is currently rolling out to all Android and iOS users, but it may take some time to reach all devices. Within the Collections tab, users can switch between different views such as “All,” “Shared with me,” and “My albums.” Additionally, folders for “Favorites” and “Trash” are prominently displayed at the top for easy access.
Following user complaints about the placement of Locked Folders in the Collections view, Google has made adjustments to improve the user experience. Locked Folders will no longer be suggested at the top, and the Utilities folder is being removed entirely. However, the tools under the Utilities folder, such as creating a Locked Folder, are simply being relocated to different sections within Google Photos.
The update also includes enhancements to existing features, such as importing images and creating albums, collages, and highlight videos. These options can now be accessed by tapping the “+” symbol within the app. Additionally, tasks like managing photo frames and freeing up space on your device now require you to access your Google Photos account profile.
Overall, the new Google Photos update represents a significant step forward in improving the user experience and making it easier for users to organize and access their photos. With the introduction of Collections and redesigned search tab, users can expect a more streamlined and intuitive experience when managing their photo libraries.