Google’s latest announcement has sent shockwaves through the smartphone community as they revealed plans to make their AI editing tools available on non-Pixel devices through the Google Photos app. This move comes on the heels of the Pixel 8 series phones being touted as AI-powered champions, with exclusive features like Magic Editor setting them apart.
Starting May 15, users can look forward to accessing a range of editing tools such as Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light on Google Photos, all without the need for a subscription. Additionally, Magic Editor will now be expanding to all Pixel devices, which is sure to delight users with older Pixel models.
What’s truly intriguing is that Magic Editor will not be limited to Pixel users, as it will also be accessible to Android and even iOS device owners. However, non-Pixel users will encounter a limit of 10 Magic Editor saves per month unless they opt for a Premium Google One Plan or purchase a Pixel phone.
While this development opens up a world of possibilities for more users to experience Google’s advanced editing features, it does raise questions about the need for specialized hardware. The fact that these tools can function on a variety of devices, including non-Google hardware, hints at the possibility that the features rely heavily on cloud technology rather than proprietary hardware like Tensor.
Despite the broadening accessibility of these AI editing tools, Google has outlined some minimum requirements for optimal performance. Android devices will need a minimum of 3GB of RAM and Android version 8 or higher to support the features, and 32-bit smartphones will not be compatible. The same criteria apply to iOS devices, which must run on iOS 15 or later.
Overall, this move by Google marks a significant step towards democratizing access to powerful AI editing tools, ultimately benefiting a wider range of users across various devices.
