This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
Google Photos has been on a revamp spree, and the latest update is a built-in chat messaging feature for Android, iOS, and the web.
For long-time users, sharing individual photos was possible by creating an album for a single photo and sharing the link. However, the new feature allows users to have an ongoing conversation in the app when sharing photos and videos.
According to Google, 'This feature does not replace the chat apps you already use.' It joins existing first-party social features like live albums and shared libraries/albums.
Users can create a new chat by selecting the share button under the photo from the main library. Existing chats can be retrieved from the same tab.
The messaging update will support one-to-one conversations and allows users to create groups with selected users they know.
For instance, after selecting a recipient, users can start a conversation thread. The thread will feature read receipts when someone sees the image.
Additionally, users can comment, save to library, and use enhanced liking options like hearts emoji. Users can also send Google Photos carousels and share environment-friendly links instead of hyperlinks.
As noted by Info biz, Photos has a good track record of releasing useful functionality and is beloved by many. However, it is questionable whether people will use a built-in feature, or stick to where their existing conversations are.
