Google Pixel 9’s “Add Me” AI: Revolutionizing Group Photos or Photobombing Itself?

Google's Pixel 9 introduces "Add Me," an AI tool allowing users to insert themselves into group photos. The feature aims to solve the problem of photographers being excluded from shots, but early tests show mixed results and unexpected creative applications.

Staff Editor August 24, 2024

Google Pixel 9's "Add Me" AI: Revolutionizing Group Photos or Photobombing Itself?

Google Unveils “Add Me” Feature for Pixel 9 Smartphones

Google has introduced a new AI-powered tool called “Add Me” for its latest Pixel 9 smartphones, allowing users to digitally insert themselves into group photographs. The feature is designed to solve the common problem of photographers being left out of group shots.

The “Add Me” function requires users to take two separate photos: one of the group and another of the person to be added, standing in the same location. The app then overlays the original photo in the frame of the second one to guide positioning, aiming to create a seamless integration.

While demo videos showcase the process, early tests have revealed mixed results. Daily Mail reporter Shivali Best conducted an experiment at London’s Kensington Palace with tourists, finding that differences in outdoor lighting made it apparent that the photos were taken at different times.

Interestingly, some users have discovered alternative applications for the “Add Me” feature. By taking multiple photos of themselves, they can create humorous doppelgänger images. TechRadar writer Lance Ulanoff tested this aspect of the feature, noting that it performs better for these creative purposes than for straightforward group shots.

The Pixel 9 boasts other AI-enhanced capabilities, including in-app photo alterations and an advanced chatbot. Despite the mixed reviews of the “Add Me” feature, it may still appeal to Android enthusiasts and those interested in AI technology.

As users continue to explore and share their experiences with the new feature on social media, a more comprehensive understanding of its strengths and limitations is likely to emerge.