Android File Picker Gets Major Upgrade with Google Photos Integration

Key Points:

The latest update to Android's file picker integrates Google Photos search functions, allowing users to search for photos directly within apps.

Users can easily find specific photos, albums, people, and places without leaving the app.

A new Library API update focuses on enhancing privacy and data protection, with support for Google Photos cloud media.

Seamless Photo Searching Within Apps: The new update to the Android file picker integrates Google Photos' advanced search features, allowing users to search their entire photo library directly within the app they’re using. This update eliminates the need to switch between apps when searching for specific photos, greatly improving the user experience.

Introducing the Google Photos Picker API: Announced on the Google for Developers blog, the Google Photos Picker API allows developers to embed Google Photos' search capabilities into their Android apps. This means users can search for photos, albums, people, and places directly within the app’s file picker, enhancing photo selection and privacy.

Enhanced Photo Selection Experience: Previously, the file picker only allowed users to scroll through their photo libraries to find photos and videos. The update now adds search functionality, enabling users to find specific photos within the file picker, similar to the Google Photos app.

Continuation of Existing Media Picker Features: Introduced with Android 13, the existing media picker lets users choose between granting access to specific photos and videos or their entire library. This functionality remains, but the new update enables users to search their libraries with specific terms, keeping them within the app environment.

Library API Update Boosts Privacy and Protection: Google has also updated the Library API to improve how apps access and manage photos and videos. This update aims to enhance user privacy and data protection, currently supporting Google Photos as the sole cloud media provider, with the possibility of additional services in the future based on device maker decisions.

Developer Guidelines and Transition Deadline: Developers must transition to the updated Library API by March 31, 2025, to manage photos not uploaded by their apps. Google encourages developers to review the updated Photos API User Data and Developer Policy for guidance on these changes.

A Notable Upgrade for Android Users: This update significantly enhances the Android file picker, offering deeper integration with Google Photos while boosting personal data protection. It’s a welcome addition that elevates the Android app experience for users.