The best smartphone feature I've tested all year isn't just locked to iPhone or Android — it's Ask Photos. This AI-assisted photo editing tool, initially exclusive to Pixel 10 phones, has now been rolled out as a standard feature with the Google Photos app. It's a game-changer, offering a level of convenience and efficiency that's truly remarkable. Here's why it's my favorite smartphone feature this year.
Cleaner Backgrounds for Professional Photos
As a tech reviewer, I constantly take photos of gadgets, including robotic litter boxes and other home products. Sometimes, my home's messiness can be a challenge. Ask Photos solves this problem by allowing me to change the backgrounds of my photos, making them look more professional. For instance, I can transform a cluttered kitchen shot of the Petlibro Smart Granary Feeder into a cleaner, more appealing image with just a few prompts.
Instant Style Changes
Ask Photos isn't just about backgrounds. It can also instantly change your attire. I recently used it to swap my casual shirt for a blazer in a selfie taken with my friend Eric Landskroner. This feature is incredibly useful for quick, realistic adjustments, saving time and effort.
Effortless People Removal
Another standout feature is its ability to remove unwanted subjects from photos. Tools like Google's Magic Eraser and Apple's Clean Up are great, but Ask Photos streamlines the process. With a simple prompt, it identifies and deletes people from the frame, offering multiple options to ensure the best result. This feature is particularly useful for creating clean, professional-looking images.
Bottom Line
Ask Photos is a powerful tool that saves time and effort, making it my favorite smartphone feature this year. Its ability to enhance photos, from changing backgrounds to altering styles and removing subjects, is truly impressive. I look forward to seeing how Google continues to improve this feature in the future, possibly expanding it into video editing.
