Google Photos users, get ready for some exciting updates! Major changes are expected soon, with some intriguing features already in the works, according to a recent APK teardown by Android Authority in collaboration with Assemble Debug.
A New Look for Google Photos’ Video Player
One of the standout updates involves a revamp of the video player in Google Photos. The refreshed design includes sleek new controls and a more polished interface, which will be a major improvement from the current version. The updated video player UI will shift the pause, volume, and loop buttons to the bottom of the screen for easier access, replacing the older setup where the pause button would overlay the video and the volume was placed near the seek bar.
In addition to these aesthetic changes, users will benefit from a dot-based seek bar with haptic feedback, allowing for a smoother navigation experience. Plus, the new setup will allow you to skip and rewind videos by five seconds just by tapping on the sides of the screen—an incredibly handy feature for those who love rewatching specific parts of a video.
Introducing ‘Timeline’ — A New Take on Memories
Another exciting update is a potential change to the beloved Memories feature. Rumor has it that Google is planning to rename Memories to ‘Timeline’, though the full scope of this rebranding is still unclear. Speculation suggests that Timeline will be a new way to display older photos, likely enhancing the nostalgia and storytelling aspects of revisiting past moments.
(Image credit: Android Authority)
Good news for fans of Memories: it doesn’t seem to be disappearing altogether. According to sources, the feature will now be found under the Collections tab, where users can continue enjoying the personalized curation of their past photos. There’s also a strong chance that Gemini AI might soon offer a narration feature to accompany your memories, making the experience even more engaging. Additionally, users can expect more control over which people appear in their memories, providing a more tailored photo-viewing experience.
What’s Next for Google Photos?
Though the exact release date for these updates isn’t clear, it’s evident that Google is committed to continuously enhancing its services. With these updates, Google Photos is set to remain one of the top photo management apps for Android users, offering robust tools for viewing, managing, and sharing images.
Expect to see these updates gradually roll out in upcoming versions of Google Photos, and rest assured that Google is working hard to keep the app at the forefront of photo technology on some of the best Android devices out there.
