Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Photos replaces the ‘Library’ tab with a new ‘Collections’ tab, streamlining album access.
- The ‘Collections’ tab offers quick access to favorites, screenshots, and device-stored photos in an organized grid.
- The redesigned search function is now more straightforward, anticipating future AI-powered features.
Google Photos is once again redesigning its user interface by introducing a new tab called “Collections.” This update comes after Google decided to remove the previous “Library” tab redesign that was rolled out in 2022. The earlier attempt featured a grid layout with ten recent albums, including favorites and the camera roll, and allowed sorting through filters like “All,” “Your albums,” “On device,” and “Shared albums.” However, this design was short-lived and quickly pulled back.
Now, instead of the “Library” tab, users will find the “Collections” tab in the same location. The icon remains unchanged, but the layout has been simplified. At the top, you’ll see a grid of pill-shaped buttons providing quick access to Favorites, Trash, Screenshots, and Archive.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the “Photos on device” carousel, which has been replaced by a folder labeled “On this device.” This folder provides a grid view of all locally stored albums, adding an extra step to access your camera roll.
The rest of the tab has also seen changes. Instead of a grid of cloud albums, you’ll now find an “Albums” folder that requires an additional tap to access. You can choose between a grid or list view to navigate your albums.
The “Collections” tab also houses folders for “People” (which includes pets), Documents, and Places. Below these folders, you’ll find a list of commonly accessed items like Favorites, Screenshots, Videos, Recently Added, Archive, Locked, and Trash.
In addition to the “Collections” tab, Google Photos has also updated its search functionality. The new design is simpler and primarily displays a list of recent queries and suggestions like Screenshots, Selfies, and Menus, hinting at upcoming AI-powered features.
This “Collections” and search redesign is gradually rolling out to Google Photos users on Android (version 6.93) and iOS.
