Here’s a nice surprise: Google has quietly optimized the Google Photos user interface more on tablets. The look and feel of the update brings the tablet version of the app more in line with what you would find on the desktop.
Previously, Google Photos on tablets felt a lot like Google was happy with the same app that you could get on smartphones. This means a bottom bar with three shortcuts for photos, search and library. Although the shortcuts work well on a phone, the bar did not really benefit from the extra real estate on tablets.
The new interface of Google Photos for tablets on Android. Images via: 9to5Google
Google Photos’ more optimized user interface removes the bottom bar and instead contains a sidebar that contains quick links for photos, exploring, archiving, trash, and more. It uses the screen size of a tablet much better. There is also a top search bar. The refreshed user interface looks slightly different according to the size of the tablet screen 9to5Google.
Google Photos’ new user interface seems to be slowly rolling out to Android, though it’s not yet widely available. As for users who own an iPad, it does not appear that the update has been rolled out on iOS – at least not yet. Hopefully the update will move to more tablets in the coming days as the UI looks much nicer.
Google Photos was in the spotlight several times last year for good or bad reasons. The service underwent its biggest redesign ever this past summer, adding features like a map view and a user interface that were much more enjoyable to use. But the service also angered fans when Google announced they would stop offering free unlimited storage from this summer.
You still have a few months before the new policy goes into effect, and even then Google claims that it will take a while before the average user fills up their 15 GB of free storage. But taking away one of the best benefits from Google Photos is still stingy.