Credit: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/Getty Images
One of Google Pixel’s best photo editing features, Magic Eraser, is now making its way to other Android and iOS devices. But it won’t be free. Today, Google announced that the popular tool, which uses AI to remove unwanted content from images, will be available to Google One subscribers in addition to existing Pixel owners. Google One subscribers also get a small handful of other editing tools, like a new HDR video effect, exclusive collage styles, and more.
The Google One subscription originally started as a way to pay for extra cloud storage for things like photos, documents, and Gmail. However, over the years it has expanded into a broader suite of features, now including a VPN and other members-only perks like the ability to host longer group video calls on Google Meet, 10% cashback on Google Store purchases, expanded trials and other premium features from Google Photos – like Portrait Lighting to blur the background and adjust the light position and brightness on subjects’ faces.
Now, the exclusive benefits of Google Photos are expanding again with the introduction of Magic Eraser and the other new additions.
Previously only available to Google Pixel 6 and 7 owners, Magic Eraser is now rolling out to all Google One subscribers on both Android and iOS. It will also be available for Pixel 5a and older Pixel smartphones without requiring a Google One subscription. Although there are other third-party apps that offer object removal, Magic Eraser adds functionality to the main Photos app on Android devices — and also the app that many iPhone users prefer over Apple’s Photos.
Additionally, Google One subscribers get access to a new HDR video effect designed to help balance dark foregrounds and light backgrounds, or vice versa. This is similar to the effect that was already available for photos, says Google.
Also, the Google Photos collage editor gets a bunch of new styles to choose from and the ability to apply a style to just one photo in the collage. This will also be available to both Google One subscribers and Pixel owners.
A final new perk allows Google One subscribers to get free shipping when ordering photo prints from the online store in the US, Canada, UK and EU.
While it’s not worth paying for each feature individually, the combined package offered along with other perks, the backup and sync options, and the extra storage space has made the Google One subscription a big seller in the app stores . In 2022, data.ai found that the Google One app was the #6 non-game app globally in terms of consumer spending. It was also #8 in the US. Though most customers buy the subscription for extra storage and backup — in some ways, Google’s alternative to Apple’s iCloud — it’s also another way for Google to retain customers with its app ecosystem, even if they don’t use its Pixel phones or an Android device.
According to Google, Magic Eraser, the HDR effect and new collage styles will be launched today, but will not reach all users worldwide in the coming weeks. However, free shipping is now live.
