The robust search features of Google Photos can now be integrated with apps thanks to a recent upgrade to the Android file picker. Users won’t need to exit the app they’re using to search across their whole photo library. This enhances the end-user experience by doing away with the necessity to constantly move between apps in order to find a certain photo.
Early on Wednesday, the update was posted on the Google for Developers site. This is made possible via the new Google Photos Picker API. By securely integrating Google Photos search capabilities into their Android apps, developers may enable users to look up images, albums, individuals, and locations via the app’s file picker.
A focus on privacy and picture selection
Users could browse through their photo libraries with the prior file picker to find the image or video they desired, but they were unable to search for certain images. They can now do so in the same way as if they were using the Google Photos app to look for a photo.
With Android 13, Google debuted a media picker that gave users the option to grant access to either their complete library or a selection of their images and movies. This feature will still be available, but users can now use particular search phrases to browse through their libraries without ever leaving the app. It’s similar to having Google Photos’ power built right in.
There has also been an update to the Library API
The Library API has also been updated by Google. The application’s uploads of images and videos are the main emphasis of the latest upgrade. The modification will improve data security and user privacy.
Currently, this upgrade only supports Google Photos as a cloud media provider; however, additional services may be introduced in the future. It all hinges on what phone manufacturers want to see released in the upcoming phone cycle for the following year.
The new Library API will be available to developers until March 31, 2025, allowing them to choose images from content that their app hasn’t submitted. To better understand what they’ll need to do moving ahead, Google is advising developers to read the new Photos API User Data and Developer Policy.
The Android file picker has seen significant enhancements thanks to this release. It better protects users’ personal information while giving them a more convenient method to access their Google Photos collection. It’s a pleasant addition to the Android app store.