Google gives in to users' complaints over AI-powered 'Ask Photos' search feature | TechCrunch

Last day to exhibit your breakthrough to 10,000+ tech leaders at Disrupt is on Oct 2. Book Exhibit Table Now. Disrupt doors open Oct. 13. Get your pass and bring someone with you at 50% off. REGISTER NOW. In a slight capitulation to those who don’t want AI infused into their everyday apps, Google said it’s now offering a toggle that will allow users of its Google Photos app to return to the previous and often faster “classic” search experience instead of the newer AI-powered option known as “Ask Photos.” The Ask Photos feature, launched in the U.S. in 2024, lets users search their photos using natural language queries, including complex requests. The product’s rollout was briefly paused last summer as the company worked to address issues around latency, following user feedback. Some Google Photos users never warmed up to the AI-powered experience, complaining that Ask Photos still failed to find some of their photos and that searches were less accurate than before. While Google offered an option to disable the use of Gemini in Google Photos, it was buried in the settings and was often overlooked. The company said it will offer users an easier and more visible way to switch between