Fake a Group Picture With Google's 'Add Me' - We Laughed Hysterically Trying to Make it Work

CNET
29 Aug 202405:24

TLDRGoogle's 'Add Me' feature, which uses augmented reality to insert the photographer into a group photo, was tested by the narrator and their colleagues. Despite initial skepticism, they found the feature isn't perfect, which is reassuring as it prevents the creation of entirely fake scenarios. While it could be useful for inclusivity, such as allowing parents to be in family photos, the narrator also discusses the broader implications of Google's photo editing tools, like Magic Editor and Best Take, which can potentially alter reality in photos. They ponder the ethics of using such tools to create 'perfect' moments and the importance of authenticity in photography.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Google introduces an 'Add Me' feature that uses augmented reality to insert the photographer into a group photo.
  • 😲 The feature received mixed reactions during the Pixel 9 event live stream, with some users expressing concerns about photo authenticity.
  • 🤔 The author initially shared concerns about the feature but changed their perspective after experimenting with it.
  • 📸 'Add Me' works by blending two photos, with the photographer's image placed into the second photo using augmented reality markers.
  • 🤷‍♀️ The feature did not always layer images as expected, leading to humorous outcomes and highlighting its imperfections.
  • 👍 'Add Me' can be useful for including photographers in group photos, promoting inclusivity, especially for parents who often miss out on family photos.
  • 😟 The author expresses more concern about other Google photo editing tools that might enable creating 'perfect' photos, questioning the value of authenticity in photography.
  • 🧐 Google's Magic Editor and Best Take features raise ethical questions about altering photos to create moments that didn't happen.
  • 🔍 Edited photos can be detected by checking metadata on Pixel phones, but this is not common knowledge, leading to potential deception.
  • 🤔 The author ponders the ethical gray area of using these tools to curate a perfect online presence versus capturing genuine, unedited moments.
  • 🔮 As technology advances, the debate on the use of such features for personal and social media will continue to evolve.

Q & A

  • What is Google's 'Add Me' feature?

    -Google's 'Add Me' feature is an augmented reality tool that allows users to add themselves into a group photo, as if they were present during the shot.

  • How does the 'Add Me' feature work?

    -The 'Add Me' feature works by taking two photos and blending them together. The user takes a photo of the group, leaves space for themselves, and then takes a second photo with augmented reality markers showing where they should position themselves for the final merged image.

  • What were some of the initial concerns about the 'Add Me' feature?

    -Initial concerns included the feature being used to make photos fake for no reason, as well as the ethical implications of creating photos of moments that didn't actually happen.

  • How did the experiment with 'Add Me' turn out?

    -The experiment with 'Add Me' was not entirely successful in merging the images as envisioned, which the author found comical. However, it was noted that the feature could look realistic when there's a little space between each subject.

  • What is the purpose of the 'Add Me' feature according to the author?

    -The author suggests that the 'Add Me' feature is aimed at inclusivity, allowing photographers and parents who are often behind the camera to be included in group photos.

  • Are there other Google photo editing tools mentioned in the script?

    -Yes, other Google photo editing tools mentioned include Magic Editor's 'Reimagine' tool, which can change backgrounds, and the 'Best Take' feature, which curates a shot where everyone is smiling.

  • What concerns does the author have about Google's photo editing tools?

    -The author is concerned that these tools might enable the creation of 'perfect' photos, which could potentially devalue the authenticity of captured moments.

  • How can users tell if a photo has been edited with AI according to the script?

    -Users can check the metadata on a Pixel phone to determine if a photo has been edited with AI.

  • What is the author's stance on disclosing edited photos?

    -The author believes it feels disingenuous to post edited photos without disclosing that they were doctored and suggests that it's important to be transparent about photo editing.

  • What questions does the author grapple with regarding photo editing tools?

    -The author grapples with questions about the appropriate use of photo editing tools, especially in the context of social media, where the desire for a perfect online presence might conflict with the authenticity of shared moments.

  • Is the 'Add Me' feature available on all Pixel 9 devices?

    -Yes, the 'Add Me' feature is available on the entire Pixel 9 lineup.

Outlines

00:00

📸 Google's 'Add Me' Augmented Reality Feature: First Impressions

In this section, the speaker introduces Google's new 'Add Me' feature, which allows users to add the photographer into group photos using augmented reality. The speaker shares initial skepticism after reading viewers' comments during a Pixel 9 live event, with some expressing concerns about making photos appear fake. However, after trying the feature with friends, the speaker felt less concerned. The process of blending two photos together is explained, although some attempts to make it look natural failed, leading to humorous results. The speaker finds the feature most realistic when there’s space between subjects.

05:00

🎨 Balancing Inclusivity and Authenticity with Google's Editing Tools

Here, the speaker delves into concerns about the implications of other Google photo editing tools, like the Magic Editor and Best Take, which allow users to modify photos to an idealized version. While 'Add Me' seems to promote inclusivity, tools like Magic Editor raise worries about creating overly 'perfect' photos, detracting from the beauty of capturing genuine, rare moments. The speaker discusses ethical considerations around disclosing AI-edited photos, especially when it’s not always obvious that a photo has been altered. Despite enjoying these tools for personal use, they highlight the ongoing debate about how such features affect online authenticity.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information or images onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of reality. In the context of the video, Google's 'Add Me' feature uses AR to insert the photographer into a group photo, making it appear as if they were present when the photo was taken. This is showcased when the narrator and their colleagues attempt to use the feature to include a missing person in a group photo.

💡Photo Editing Tools

Photo editing tools refer to software or applications that allow users to modify digital images, such as adjusting colors, cropping, or adding effects. The video discusses Google's various photo editing tools, including 'Add Me,' which can be used to alter group photos by adding or removing individuals, and 'Magic Editor,' which can change backgrounds or remove unwanted elements from a photo.

💡Inclusivity

Inclusivity is the practice of including people who might otherwise be excluded from a particular activity or group. The video highlights how Google's 'Add Me' feature promotes inclusivity by enabling photographers, who are often left out of group photos, to be virtually included in the image. This is seen as a positive use of technology to ensure that no one is left behind in capturing memories.

💡Perfect Photo

A 'perfect photo' is an idealized image that captures a moment in an aesthetically pleasing or technically flawless manner. The video discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of photo editing tools that can create the illusion of a perfect photo, which may not accurately represent the reality of the moment. The narrator expresses concern about the potential for these tools to alter the authenticity of photography.

💡Metadata

Metadata is data that provides information about other data, such as details about when and how a digital photo was taken. In the video, the narrator mentions that metadata on a Pixel phone can reveal whether a photo has been edited with AI, suggesting that it's important to disclose when images have been altered to maintain transparency and authenticity in digital media.

💡Magic Editor

Magic Editor is a feature mentioned in the video that allows users to transform their photos with various editing tools, such as changing the background or removing objects. The video uses the example of a colleague who used Magic Editor to change his selfie's background to a brick wall with a sunset, illustrating how advanced these editing tools have become.

💡Best Take Feature

The 'Best Take' feature is a tool that helps users curate the best possible photo from a series of shots by selecting the most flattering expressions or moments. The video suggests that this feature, along with others, contributes to the debate about creating 'perfect' photos, raising questions about the value of spontaneity and authenticity in photography.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity refers to the quality of being genuine and not false or imitation. The video explores the tension between the desire for perfect photos and the importance of maintaining authenticity in photography. The narrator reflects on whether the use of editing tools to create flawless images detracts from the true nature of the moments being captured.

💡Reimagine Tool

The 'Reimagine' tool is part of Google's Magic Editor and allows users to enter prompts to transform their photos, such as changing the background or scene. The video discusses how this tool can be used to create new and imaginative images, but also raises concerns about the potential for misuse and the blurring of lines between reality and fiction in photography.

💡AI-Edited Photos

AI-Edited Photos are images that have been altered or enhanced using artificial intelligence. The video discusses how AI tools like Google's 'Add Me' and 'Magic Editor' can create realistic edits that may be difficult to distinguish from unaltered photos. This raises ethical considerations about the use of AI in photography and the need for transparency when sharing edited images.

Highlights

Google introduces 'Add Me' feature for augmented reality group photos.

Initial skepticism about the feature's ability to make photos seem fake.

Experimenting with 'Add Me' to include the photographer in group photos.

The process of taking two photos and blending them together with 'Add Me'.

Challenges faced in making the final photo look natural with 'Add Me'.

Finding that 'Add Me' works best when there's space between subjects.

Concerns about the ethical implications of creating photos of moments that didn't happen.

Google's 'Magic Editor' allows for photo transformation with prompts.

The ability to remove people from backgrounds using 'Magic Editor'.

Google's 'Best Take' feature for curating the perfect group shot.

The debate on whether these tools are for creating 'perfect' photos.

Imperfections in edited photos can be spotted upon close examination.

The importance of disclosing when photos have been edited with AI.

The gray area of using these tools to make online presences look perfect.

The potential for these tools to be used in nefarious ways.

The ongoing discussion about the comfort level of using such photo editing tools.

The 'Add Me' feature is available on the entire Pixel 9 lineup.

Invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on 'Add Me' and similar photo editing tools.

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