Google has been busy producing new photographic technologies and seems keen to develop and democratise the results across platforms for everyone to enjoy; not limiting use to its own handsets

The initial group of ‘appsperiments’ have been developed to push the boundaries in AI, [and other technologies] for everyday photographers to test the possibilities of phone photography. It seems that Google is keen to embed AI in practically every aspect of photography, not only in the early applications such as image quality and portrait effects.

Storyboard [initially only for Android] is possibly the pick of the new bunch of photo apps. Using object recognition and style algorithms to automatically seize more interesting frames from any video, it will then dump them into a comic-style layout, using suitable filters. Ultimately, the thought is that the user can compose an entire event by recording a single video, letting the app do the work and eliminating the need to shoot stacks of photographs.

Storyboard from Google

Next up is Selfissimo! which is available on both iOS & Android automatically takes photographs whenever you stop moving, allowing you catch stacks of [monochrome] selfies without having to press your shutter each time you pose for the camera. A nice idea and perhaps with stronger practical applications lurking in the background?

Google Selfissimo!

Finally, the [iOS-only] Scrubbies app generates video loops, with which you can choose the speed and direction, essentially allowing you to ‘remix’ the video footage, ‘like a DJ’.

Google Scrubbies

It’s quite possible that, if the features on offer within these new apps are popular, they could make their way onto Google Photos. Google also suggested that the three new apps could well be the first of many new ‘appsperiments’, with these being just the ‘first instalment’.

Google is asking users of the new apps for constructive feedback and development ideas, too, so it’s entirely possible that with the right input and efforts in the Google R&D department could see more practical versions or applications of these technologies in the future.