Google Photos Updated with Magic Eraser Feature, HDR Video Effect for Pixel Owners and Google One Subscribers

Google Photos is adding support for Magic Eraser, the company’s AI-powered machine learning and photo editing feature for removing unwanted objects and people from photos, for all Google One subscribers, announced the company on Thursday. The feature was previously only available to Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 series smartphone owners, simplifying what was once a tedious task that required the use of apps like Photoshop. The company is also bringing HDR video effect and new collage styles to Google Photos on iOS and Android smartphones.

According to the details shared by Google, the Magic Eraser feature which was previously exclusive to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 series of smartphones, will now be available to all Google One subscribers. The feature will be available to users of all plans. Owners of the Pixel 5a and earlier Pixel models will also get support for Magic Eraser in Google Photos, subscription-free, the company says.

The Magic Eraser tool will also be available for owners of older Google Pixel models
Photo credit: Google

Google’s Magic Eraser feature relies on machine learning and AI computing that is performed on-device for Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones. Users can remove people or objects such as fences and power lines from their photos by tapping, circling or swiping them. On other devices that don’t have Google’s internal Tensor SoC, these AI tasks will likely be performed on the company’s servers.

The company also announced that it will be rolling out an HDR effect for videos aimed at Google One subscribers. Like the HDR effect for images on Google Photos, users will now be able to enhance the brightness and contrast of their videos, adding a dramatic effect. This feature, like the Magic Eraser tool, will also be available for older Pixel models without a Google One subscription.

Finally, Google revealed that Google One subscribers and Pixel owners will soon have access to a new set of collage editor styles on the Google Photos app. These will include limited-time styles from artists like Yao Cheng Designs and DABSMYLA. Users will also be able to add styles to a single photo in a collage, according to the company.