Google Photo Adds Default Gallery Access Feature to Select Smartphones - 1

Google Photo Adds Default Gallery Access Feature to Select Smartphones

  • Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

After rolling out the activity-based recommendation in February 2024, Google Photo’s new upgrade allows easy access to its library from select OEM gallery app. iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users will need to be patient for the feature, as the company has yet to reveal any dates regarding its availability.

The new feature called “default gallery access” seamlessly integrates Google Photo Library with the smartphone’s default gallery app. Available to select OEMs, the devices in addition to having the latest version of the Photo app, must support Android 11 or above.

According to the document available on Google Photo support page, the integration is currently available to select manufacturers, including Oppo, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme.

To enable the Google Photo and gallery app seamless integration, users can navigate to their Google Photo app setting, go to “Apps and devices,” select their device’s default gallery app name, and grant or remove Google Photo access.

Once this feature is enabled, users can conveniently access their entire Google Photo library within the default gallery app. Moreover, a user needn’t leave the phone’s gallery app to backup, delete, edit, or move photos or videos in Google Photos.

According to Android Police , Xiaomi had started providing basic integration of its Gallery app with Google Photo in late 2022. But it did not support full two-way synchronization between the apps then. Now, with the Google update announcement, Xiaomi announced an update rollout of full integration between its gallery app and Google Photo.

Despite the availability of the feature with select OEMs, the feature has a few limitations, including limited Google Photo album support. Moreover, if a user deletes Photo app data, uninstalls Photos, resets the device, or gets a new device, they will need to grant or deny gallery access again.

Nonetheless, with this integration, Google offers Android users a new seamless way to access and manage their multimedia files, eliminating the need to switch between the two applications.

Google Maps Unveils Enhanced Features for Seamless Summer Vacation - 2

Google Maps Unveils Enhanced Features for Seamless Summer Vacation

  • Written by Elijah Ugoh Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Google also mentioned that some of the updates in Google Maps will only be accessible in select cities for now. The features will likely be extended to other cities across the globe in the coming months. Here are the new features to available in Google Maps:

Get the Best Travel Recommendations

This feature makes it easy to discover trustworthy travel recommendations. Users can effortlessly access curated lists from reputable sources and the Google Maps community . Users start by entering the name of the place they want to go to in Maps, and the app will display a curated list of top recommendations (from locals and previous visitors), including top sites within and around the city they are interested in.

These lists cover everything from trendy spots to hidden gems, ensuring there’s something for every traveler’s taste. For those seeking culinary adventures, Google Maps will also display restaurant lists tailored to current interests and trends:

  • The Trending list showcases places experiencing a surge in popularity weekly and is perfect for discovering the latest hot spots.
  • The Top list features beloved establishments favored by the Maps community, offering longstanding favorites.
  • The Gems list unveils neighborhood treasures and underrated culinary gems waiting to be discovered.

Travelers can also contribute to the Google Maps community by sharing their own top recommendations if they find a place they really like. This feature is currently available across 40 cities in the United States and Canada.

New Customization Tools to Create Your Own Lists

Creating and sharing personalized lists in Google Maps helps travelers organize the places they want to go and keep track of the places they’ve been. Users can organize their lists of favorite travel locations and local spots chronologically or rank them based on preferences. Places on the list can be moved up or down after visiting them.

The ranking also allows users to provide the best recommendations to other people in the Google Maps community. “In your lists, you can also link to content from your social channels — like your review of the delicious meal you ate — to show why it deserves to be on your list. These updates roll out globally on Android and iOS later this month,” Google added in the announcement.

Get Insights Into the Top Features of a Place at a Glance

This is the third new feature in Google Maps, which will let people get insights about places they’re interested in at-a-glance. The feature is powered by AI.

People can quickly see what’s important about a particular location and other highlights through photos and reviews that summarize what previous visitors love about it. The incorporation of AI also assists users in identifying dishes on restaurant menus, checking out prices, dietary options, and more.

Google Maps will also get a new look, including a cleaner home screen and new pin colors for easier navigation. This will be rolled out before the summer months, according to Google. These features are accessible on all devices.