Google Photos' AI-Powered Magic Editor Tool Is Coming to Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Smartphones

Google is set to introduce a new feature called Magic Editor to its widely used Google Photos app, exclusive to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.

This feature, initially unveiled at the company's I/O developer conference earlier this year, brings generative AI into play, allowing for more intricate photo edits, such as adjusting the subject's position, filling gaps, and making edits to the foreground or background.

"These updates build on the AI technology from Google Research behind tools like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, incorporating new technology and techniques - like generative AI - to open up more editing possibilities," said Dina Berrada, Director of Product Management at Google Photos.

"These new features let you focus more on what matters most with your photos and videos - from getting the perfect group shot that captures everyone with their eyes open to reducing distracting sounds in your favorite videos," she added.

All About the Magic Editor of Google

In a blog post, Google said Magic Editor is designed to provide users with a seamless editing experience using generative AI. It enables tasks like resizing or repositioning subjects with a simple tap or circle gesture.

Users can then drag to reposition or pinch to resize. Additionally, contextual suggestions are available for enhancing lighting and backgrounds, such as transforming a gray sky into a golden-hour sunset. After selecting an edit, Magic Editor offers multiple result options for users, ensuring they achieve the desired look.

While Magic Editor is an experimental feature in its early stages, Google acknowledged that there may be instances where the result may not meet users' expectations. The company emphasized the importance of user feedback in refining the product.

Google plans to expand Magic Editor with more generative AI features in the future, providing users with innovative ways to breathe life into their photos.

Other AI Features

Another addition to Pixel 8 Pro is the Zoom Enhance feature, allowing users to zoom in on photos after they have been taken. This feature employs generative AI to intelligently fill in pixel gaps and predict fine details, offering greater flexibility in framing and focusing on key elements of the photo.

Google is also enhancing the Magic Eraser function on Pixel 8 Pro. Utilizing generative AI, it can now tackle more significant distractions, including shadows and objects connected to those distractions, resulting in higher-quality photos.

The new features, including Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser, will be available on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices starting October 12. This update marks a significant step forward in Google's ongoing efforts to refine the photo-editing experience for its users.