“Over the past few years, we’ve added AI-powered Google Photos editing tools, like Magic Eraser, to the latest Pixel phones,” reads a blog post by Google’s Dina Berrada and Esteban Kozak. “Now we’re bringing Magic Eraser and other enhanced editing features to more people. Starting today, Google One members—on both Android and iOS—and all Pixel users will be able to enjoy Magic Eraser, a new HDR video effect, and exclusive collage styles.” Magic Eraser The Magic Eraser tool, which depends on machine learning and AI computing, identifies distractions in your photos (e.g. photobombers and power lines) and helps to remove them in just a few taps. Further, you can also circle or brush an unwanted object in your photo and Magic Eraser will make it disappear for you. Moreover, there is a Camouflage mode in Magic Eraser that can change the color of the selected objects in your photo so that they can blend in naturally with the rest of the photo. The Magic Eraser tool was previously available only on the Google Pixel 6 and the Google Pixel 7 but is now available for any user for any Google One subscriber (including the $1.99/month plan) in Google Photos for Android and iOS. Additionally, Google announced that all generations of Pixel phones, including Pixel 5a and earlier models, will be available to use the Magic Eraser tool for free without the need for a Google One subscription. HDR Video Effect Google also announced that it is rolling out the HDR effect for videos, which users can use to improve brightness and contrast on their videos to add a dramatic effect. Previously, this capability was available only for photos but is now applicable to videos. Similar to the Magic Eraser tool, the HDR video effect feature will be available for users of older Pixel models without the requirement of a Google One subscription. Exclusive Collage Editor Designs Google One subscribers and Pixel users will soon gain access to the exclusive collage styles on the Google Photos app. All Google Photos users can now apply Styles to a single photo in the collage editor, says Google. Additionally, Google One members and Pixel users will also be able to select from a variety of designs, including limited-time styles from artists Yao Cheng Design and DABSMYLA, while making collages. The exclusive collage editor feature will also be available to both Pixel owners and Google One subscribers. Free Shipping On Print Orders Google One members who wish to print their memories in custom photo books, canvas prints, and photo prints in various sizes can avail of free shipping on orders from the print store in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Starting Thursday (February 23, 2023), all the above features have started to roll out in Google Photos for Google One members on all plans and all Pixel users. If you are not a Google One member and wish to try out the features, then you can sign up for a free trial in Google Photos starting in early March. The trial is limited to new subscribers of Google One for a limited time. Google One starts at $1.99 per month for 100GB of storage.
