Google Photos is making a big move by offering its Magic Editor AI image editing tools for free to all users. This announcement came just a day after leaks regarding the update surfaced online. Starting from May 15, the Magic Editor tool will be available to everyone using Google Photos, provided they meet the system requirements. Users need to be using a Chromebook Plus with ChromeOS version 118+ or a phone with at least 3GB RAM and running Android 8.0 / iOS 15 or higher.
However, there is a catch. Users will only be able to save 10 edited images per month. If they wish to save more, they have two options. The first option is to use a Pixel device, as Google has expanded access to all Pixel devices, not just the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Alternatively, users can subscribe to a Google One 2TB plan or above, which starts at $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$19.99 per month.
One of the tools included in the Magic Editor is the Magic Eraser. This AI editing trick has been available for a few years, initially launching on the Google Pixel 6. The Magic Eraser has proven to be incredibly useful in improving the quality of photos taken on mobile phones. It can remove unwanted objects or people from the background, making the photo more visually appealing. However, users should be cautious with larger objects, as using the Magic Eraser may result in a noticeable blurry patch.
The Magic Editor itself is another powerful tool that allows users to move subjects within an image with the help of generative AI. This feature is particularly useful for reframing shots to fit social media platforms’ aspect ratio requirements. For example, users can change wide landscape images to square shots that are more suitable for Instagram. It also helps in highlighting subjects on the fringes by bringing them closer to the center of the frame. While the Magic Editor is not always perfect, it often produces visually impressive edits.
Another tool included in the Magic Editor is Photo Unblur. This AI-powered tool is designed to salvage photos that have been ruined by blur. By utilizing a mixture of Denoise and Sharpen tools, the AI makes precise and natural-looking adjustments to fix the blurriness. Unlike manual sharpening in photo editing apps, the AI can make more granular changes, resulting in improved image quality.
Good lighting is crucial for capturing high-quality portraits. The Magic Editor addresses this issue with its Portrait Light tool. This feature intelligently adjusts lighting in photos to illuminate the subject’s face, even if they are in shadow. It allows users to capture well-lit portraits regardless of the lighting conditions at the time of the photo.
Lastly, the Magic Editor offers a Sky Replacement tool. This feature allows users to transform dull, gray skies into vibrant blue ones. The AI not only replaces the sky but also enhances the lighting in the scene to match the new sky. In regions with frequently overcast weather, like the UK, this tool can bring much-needed vibrancy to photos while maintaining a natural appearance.
Overall, Google Photos’ decision to offer the Magic Editor AI image editing tools for free to all users is a significant step forward for the platform. These tools provide powerful editing capabilities that can greatly enhance the quality of photos taken on mobile devices. By opening up access to a wider user base, Google has made it easier for people to create stunning images without the need for expensive photo editing software. This move also aligns with the company’s commitment to democratizing technology and making it accessible to all.
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