Following iOS, Google Photos for Android is simplifying the bottom bar by removing the “Memories” tab, though the auto-organizing feed — now called “Moments” — remains available.
As such, Google Photos now has a three-tab bottom bar with Photos, Collections, and Search, or the Gemini-powered “Ask.” The app does look much cleaner as a result, with other core navigation elements located in the top bar: the ‘plus’ button for “Create new” and the recently introduced “Updates” feed that replaced Sharing.
Earlier this year, Google Maps also went down to three tabs for a nice bit of symmetry. Material You bottom bars still look fine with four tabs, but five, like in Google Home, is pushing it to my eye.
Top comment by Eugene G
I miss the older, simpler versions of this app. Google keeps adding unnecessary stuff like memories, etc and not give the option to disable them. The interface is a cluttered mess of features users most likely don't use, and you can't organise/customise how they look.
I really hate how they put screenshots folder within "collections". Before, when you open the app, screenshots folder is right there on the screen, now you have to navigate through collections to get to it!
To make this change, Google Photos removed “Memories” in a de-prioritization. The “scrapbook-like” feed introduced in 2023 that auto-categorizes pictures from the same event is now called “Moments” and can be found in the Collections tab. It now exists at the bottom alongside People & pets, Albums, Documents, and Places, with album art that cycles through recent images.
There is no change in functionality: “Your photos, organized into your best moments. Add details, search and share with others.”
As such, the “Memories” brand in Google Photos solely refers to the carousel at the top of the main grid.
This Moments redesign is rolling out to Google Photos for Android as a server-side update with version 7.11. It’s not yet widely available.
More on Google Photos:
- Google Photos tests prominent row of Favorites and other shortcuts
- Google Photos now shows what Albums images & videos are in
- Google Photos 2024 Recap rolling out with insights, Gemini, and more
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments