Google Photos to Enable Bulk Photo Downloads for Users
Google Photos, a widely used solution for photo and video backup, is poised to roll out a significant update addressing a long-standing user request. The update focuses on enabling users to download multiple photos simultaneously to their Android devices. This enhancement aims to streamline the process of retrieving media from the cloud, especially when switching devices or managing storage.
Current Limitations and the Impending Change
Currently, while Google Photos facilitates the uploading of multiple photos and videos, downloading them is a tedious, one-at-a-time process. Many users resort to utilizing the web version for bulk selection, then transferring the files to their devices, or simply leaving their media exclusively in the cloud due to the inconvenience.
However, recent discoveries within version 7.26 of Google Photos indicate a shift. The code suggests that Google is actively developing the functionality to allow users to select and download multiple photos directly from their main photo feed.
Functionality and User Interface
The existing Google Photos interface allows for multiple photo selection through individual taps, dragging to select, or selecting all media under a date header. Currently, the download button disappears once multiple images are selected. The upcoming update will maintain the presence of the download button, even with multiple selections.
Upon initiating a bulk download, users will encounter a data usage warning. Post acknowledgment, the download will commence, with progress tracked via a notification. The system will also intelligently skip downloading images that already exist on the device, preventing duplication.
Potential Improvements and Future Considerations
While the bulk download feature marks a considerable improvement, there's still room for enhancement. Users may benefit from a "select all" option to facilitate downloading entire libraries. Furthermore, the ability to delay downloads until a Wi-Fi connection is available would be a welcome addition, particularly for users concerned about mobile data consumption. Given the feature is still under development, Google may consider these suggestions.
The availability of the bulk download feature is not yet live, and its release timeline remains uncertain. However, the anticipated utility of this feature suggests it will be released soon.
Source: AndroidAuthority