Google Photos is bringing back its AI search functionality, Ask Photos, after resolving latency and user experience concerns. The feature was initially halted due to these issues but is now enhanced and accessible to a broader audience, according to Engadget. Previously, it was restricted to a limited number of users with early access.

Ask Photos, introduced at the 2024 Google I/O, is a Gemini-powered search tool within Google Photos that enables users to locate images using natural language. It can manage complex inquiries indirectly linked to stored images, such as “what’s my license plate number?” or “what did I dine on during my trip to Barcelona?” However, these intricate queries initially hindered quicker searches like “beach” or “dog,” prompting Google to suspend the rollout in June. The AI search feature also substituted the conventional search interface, making the user experience more challenging.

On Thursday, Google revealed enhancements, indicating that users will now observe immediate results while Gemini models operate in the background to retrieve pertinent photos or information for complicated queries. The traditional search interface has returned, now upgraded with Gemini.

With these modifications, Google is launching Ask Photos to qualified U.S. users. To be eligible, users must be 18 or older, live in the U.S., possess a Google account, and activate Face Groups, which permits Google to search for individuals and pets.