Magic Editor, Google’s artificial intelligence-based photo editing tool, has arrived on older smartphones. No longer must users have the latest Google Pixel phones to take advantage of the company’s AI photo features. Magic Editor initially launched as a Pixel 8 exclusive feature. But now, according to 9to5Google, the tool is finally coming to other models through Google Photos, something the tech company previously promised. Magic Editor allows users to change, resize, and remove parts of photographs. For example, users can circle an object in the image and move it over or change the lighting to a different time of day. “Using generative AI, this editor makes it easy to do complex photo edits with simple and intuitive actions, like repositioning your subject or turning the sky from gray to blue,” Google explained in a release last month. However, there are some restrictions. Android users who don’t have a Pixel device and anyone on iOS will be limited to 10 saves a month. For more saves, these users must get a $10 subscription to a Premium Google One plan, which comes with 2TB or higher. Still, some AI tools will be free to all Google Photos users, according to 9to5Google, including Magic Eraser, unblur, sky suggestions, color pop, HDR effect for photos & videos, portrait blur, Portrait light, cinematic photos, styles in collage editor, and video effects. While some users have started seeing the features unlocked, the full rollout will take place over the “coming months,” according to the outlet. For Android users, their devices will require OS 8.0 or newer, 4 GB or more of RAM, and a 64-bit chipset, 9to5Google noted.
These echo what Google said last month when promising to bring the tools to more devices. “These tools will gradually roll out starting May 15 and over the following weeks to all devices that meet minimum requirements,” the tech giant said at the time. “Look out for them in Google Photos to help make your shots picture-perfect.” The move is just the latest step as artificial intelligence continues to go more mainstream, finding its way to more and more consumers regardless of whether or not they have the newest devices on the market. Meanwhile, Google continues innovating in the AI space, showcasing as much in its recent I/O event. Image credits: Google
