In the age of smartphones, Google’s latest smartphone models, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, have introduced a new era of photo editing. These devices employ artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate people’s expressions in photographs, taking photo editing beyond color enhancements and light adjustments commonly practiced on smartphones.
In group photos, it’s a common occurrence for someone to look away from the camera or not smile. Google’s innovative “Best Take” feature allows these smartphones to analyze your photo library, utilizing machine learning to find the best possible smile from another photo of the same person. This advanced AI technique is sparking discussions about the authenticity of photographs and the ever-evolving definition of reality in photography.
Additionally, these devices offer a “Magic Editor” feature, empowering users to remove, reposition, or resize unwanted elements in photos, seamlessly filling the void left behind with the AI’s understanding of the surroundings. This process, known as deep learning, leverages insights from analyzing millions of other photos.
Remarkably, these features extend beyond photos taken on the devices themselves. Users can apply the Magic Editor and Best Take to any photos in their Google Photos library, further blurring the line between genuine and digitally altered imagery.
The introduction of this technology has elicited mixed reactions. Some tech commentators and reviewers have dubbed it “icky” and “creepy,” raising concerns about its potential impact on people’s trust in online content. Andrew Pearsall, a professional photographer and senior lecturer in Journalism at the University of South Wales, has emphasized the ethical considerations and potential dangers of AI manipulation.
Google, on the other hand, asserts that their technology is not about deception. Isaac Reynolds, leading the team developing the camera systems for Google’s smartphones, underscores the company’s commitment to ethical considerations in consumer technology. The increasing influence of AI in image manipulation is prompting society to grapple with the evolving boundaries of photography and the possible repercussions of these technological advancements.