Users sentiment around AI in everyday apps are divided; some like AI, and many don’t want it everywhere. Google apparently understands this, and is now giving Google Photos users a new way to take the reins on AI search. The company has now announced a new toggle that will now allow users switch between the classic, pre-AI search experience and the newer AI-powered option known as “Ask Photos.”
Classic search toggle added to Google Photos amid user complaints
The new feature looks to address complaints about accuracy and speed, while ensuring users have more control over over how they find their memories in Google Photos. For the uninitiated, Ask Photos was introduced in the U.S. back in 2024 at Google I/O. It allows using natural language queries across users’ photo libraries to find exact Photos. It can handle complex requests, like finding “sunset photos with my dog in Paris.”
Despite the ability to search precisely, some users struggled with slower response times and missed results, prompting frustration. Google previously paused the rollout of the feature after users complained about its accuracy and time taken to pull certain memories.
Until now, disabling AI search required users to access the toggle from buried settings, which made many unaware of the option. The new toggle, visible on the search screen, makes switching between AI and classic results seamless. Users can quickly see which results suit them best, while Google continues to prioritize accuracy for each query.
Shimrit Ben-Yair, Google Photos lead, acknowledged the feedback in a post on X. She mentioned, “We’ve heard your feedback that you want more control over the type of results you see when searching in Google Photos.” The decision to add the toggle front and center suggests that Google is balancing AI innovation with user preference. While Ask Photos remains the default for many queries, the company is showing willingness to accommodate those who prefer a simpler, faster search. The company further promises ongoing updates, inviting continued feedback to refine the search experience further.
