- Google appears to be testing a new Quick Edit feature for Google Photos
- Allows users to enhance or crop a photo before sharing it.
- There is no release schedule yet for the new feature
Google is apparently testing a new feature for the Google Photos app called Quick Edit, which allows users to apply a last-minute touch-up to images before sharing them with family, friends, and other contacts.
Android Authority reports that a user named Alex, who was using version 7.10.0 of the Google Photos app on a Google Pixel 6 Pro phone, noticed a new screen in his Google Photos app, suggesting that Google could be testing A/ B the new function. with a limited number of users. We do not know how these users would have been selected.
Although it was developed by Google and included with Android, Google Photos is available on a wide range of devices, so this new feature could come in handy whether you’re using a Google Pixel 9, a Samsung Galaxy S24, or an iPhone 16.
At the moment, it appears that the screen only appears when selecting a single image. However, those expecting some deep image editing before sending their snaps may prefer another app, as the Quick Edit screen seems to offer only, well, very quick and light edits.
According to screenshots shared by the Android Authority tipster (above), users can only use Quick Edit to apply a one-time enhancement to the image or apply a crop to the photo. This appears to be the same improvement available in the app’s existing editing screen.
Limited… but better than nothing
Google Photos’ editing options may seem a little limited, but I’m personally happy to see this feature being tested, given the amount of time I spend cropping screenshots and scanning documents to send to other people.
However, it would be nice to at least see basic brightness, contrast and saturation controls added to the Quick Edit screen at launch, as I find that one-time ‘enhancements’ can have unpredictable effects on colors and lighting .
There’s a balance to be struck here, as speed is the name of the game, but I don’t see myself needing to improve screenshots, document scans, or purely informational images like poster photos.
And as for photos of friends and family, it’s unlikely that I’ll just slap on a general enhancement filter and call it a day; although if the tweaks are subtle enough, I can see this being useful to people who are less bothered or less experienced with editing photos on a smartphone.
In any case, this is a feature I can see myself using, and I’m a fan of anything that gives users more options to use their device however they want. Google hasn’t released a release date for this new feature yet, so be sure to stay up to date with our Android coverage for the latest updates.
