Google has finally begun taking apart the best features of Google+, allowing users to access their photos stored through Google+ Photos from their Google Drive.
The photos can be accessed through a "Google Photos" tab in the Google Drive app as well as in the Web version. The move is great news for those who often take photos on their mobile device.
"We take all kinds of photos, from pics of friends and family to snapshots of a scenic view. We also use photos for more practical purposes, like planning a wedding, remodeling a kitchen, or capturing meeting notes from a whiteboard. But while you may snap all sorts of images, your experience across Google should be seamless and consistent," said Google in a blog post. "That's why starting today, the photos and videos you keep in Google+ Photos will also be available in Google Drive."
Google has been praised for its Google+ Photos feature in Google+, while Google+ itself was largely considered a flop. Google is aware of this, and it has long been thought that Google would spin Google+ Photos off as a feature of its own. Now, it seems this speculation may be correct.
Google+ Photos is also praised for its editing features, offering an "auto awesome" option, which automatically enhances the color and exposure of the photo. It is also praised for its organizational tools and features.
Adding the Google+ Photos library to Google Drive will also be useful for those who use Google+ Photos as a backup method, essentially allowing users to simply upload their photos to their Google Drive.
"Google+ Photos will of course keep helping you store, edit and share your pics. But if you want to organize all your files, all in one place, Drive is here to help," continued the company in its blog post. "You'll start seeing your photos in Drive today - immediately if they're new, and a few weeks for your entire library."
It is important to note that the photos are not copied from Google+ Photos to Google Drive, but that the files are essentially mirrored. What this means is that if a user deletes a photo from Google Drive, it will also be deleted in Google+ Photos and vice versa.
The new Photos tab will show up in Android, iOS and on the Web interface of Google Drive. It is likely that a heavier emphasis will be placed on Google Drive's photo options in the future, and that we will see editing and organizational tools in Google Drive.
