7 replies to this topic

[ScottinPollock]

I have mentioned a couple of times how cool I think Google Photos is. If you haven't given it a try, you should... it's free!

 

While it has always been a great way to share and backup your photos online, it has grown into something pretty special. Not only does it know what's in your photos and lets you search them, it can automatically build cool gifs and travel albums.

 

The reason I bring it up again is because I decided to share the photo I posted this morning with my niece. The one I posted was pretty much SOOC, so I wanted to punch it up a bit for her and just used the auto enhance widget in Google photos. I was impressed! Looks like Google has done a pretty smart job integrating all of the NIK algorithms into Photos.

 

Before: http://scottinpolloc.../stuff/fawn.jpg

 

After one button push: https://photos.app.g...0SPoNbfPfkwKk93

 

TBH, the light was early morning shade so the "before" is a more accurate representation of what I saw, but the "after" was pretty impressive for an auto-enhance. It's got that Ken Rockwell kind of look (LOL).

 

Anyway... you should check it out when you get the chance.

 

-SiP

[Ron]

Yeah, I agree... pretty impressive for a one click fix. I have used Google Photos in the past but, except for some cool gimmicks, never thought much of it. I know that since they purchased Nik they've been adding features to Photos as well as Snapseed. It's getting to where you can pretty much do any photo corrections using online software... well, with the exception of stuff that requires extensive layering.

 

--Ron

[mikew]

May have to look at my much under used Google image account,my only concern with Google is this joke i picked up the other day,ok over the top but.

 

Hello! Is this Gordon's Pizza?
No sir, it's Google's Pizza.
Did I dial the wrong number?
No sir, Google bought the pizza store.
Oh, alright - then I’d like to place an order please.
Do you want the usual?
The usual? You know what my usual is?
According to the caller ID, the last 15 times you’ve ordered a 12-slice with double-cheese, sausage, and thick crust.
Okay - that’s what I want this time too.
May I suggest that this time you order an 8-slice with ricotta, arugula, and tomato instead?
No, I hate vegetables.
But your cholesterol is not good.
How do you know?
Through the subscribers guide. We have the results of your blood tests for the last 7 years.
Maybe so, but I don’t want the pizza you suggest – I already take medicine for high cholesterol.
But you haven’t taken the medicine regularly. 4 months ago you purchased a box of only 30 tablets.from Drugsale Network
I bought more from another drugstore.
It's not showing on your credit card sir.
I paid in cash.
But according to your bank statement you did not withdraw that much cash.
I have another source of cash.
This is not showing on your last tax form, unless you got it from an undeclared income source.
WHAT THE HELL? ENOUGH!
I'm sick of Google, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.
I'm going to an island without internet, where there’s no phone line, and no one to spy on me ...

 

[ScottinPollock]

I know it is a concern for many, but the convenience it provides me is substantial... and you can delete your personal info at any time.

For me, my account is only about personal info (I don't use it for business communication). But when driving home on a hot day, to be able to touch a button on my console and say "set the thermostat to 78 degrees" and arrive at a cooled off home is pretty frigging cool. No pun intended.

The joke is cute, but the info Google provides is applied only to you (with 2 factor auth if you choose). Google places the ads and suggestions based on it only within the ecosystem of Google services. It is not offered up to others. They are very transparent about this.

I even submit reviews and surveys (which they pay me for in Play credits) to better tailor Googles suggestions for me. I figure I'm gonna see ads either way, much prefer to see ones that might actually interest me.

Much less invasive then being called for jury duty every year because I have a driver's license. (c;

[nbanjogal]

Thanks for bringing this up--Google Photos was not even remotely on my radar, so this is nice to know. Looks like it's worth exploring.

[ScottinPollock]

Looks like it's worth exploring.

It is. Your google account gives you a choice of two methods for uploading your photos. Free unlimited with them down rezed to something like 16 MP, or full rez (including RAW - which it will render for you and those you share with) based on the amount of storage you have available. I think they give 15GB free but may be wrong about that as they bump that up from time to time based on phone purchases and other promotions.

 

One thing I like (if you have an android phone) is just plugging your camera into the USB port on your phone and being immediately asked if you want to upload to Google Photos. Makes SnapBridge and other WIFI kinda pointless.

[Cjtamu]

Just tried this with hummingbird shot from last week. Wow, dramatic difference. Thanks SIP. 

[Ron]

As an aside, for those of us who are frightened of all things "cloud", Adobe is working on a version of Lightroom that will be totally cloud based... and yes, your images as well. (ugh!)

 

--Ron