Google Photos Introduces Wardrobe Feature

Would you be comfortable letting Google take a look inside your closet? It’s an interesting thought since your closet typically holds your most personal belongings. However, Google is looking to introduce a new feature in Google Photos that would allow you to virtually mix and match clothing items to design new outfits without trying them on in person. All it requires is an AI scan of your image and access to your photo library to curate your digital wardrobe.

This new feature, dubbed the Wardrobe feature in Google Photos, was announced back in April. After a lengthy rollout period, it’s now finally available on the Google Photos app for both Android and iOS users.

If you’re feeling a bit uneasy about this, you’re not alone. Many might find it strange to allow Google’s AI to sift through their entire photo library to create a digital representation of themselves, complete with all their outfits captured over countless images.

To access the Wardrobe feature, just open the Google Photos app, tap on the “Create” tab at the bottom, and then select “Outfit try-on” at the top. From there, you can start building your digital wardrobe. The only significant step is letting Google scan through your photo library for images of yourself. Its AI will analyze your face, body type, and clothing options from outfits you already own.

Admittedly, I was curious about how this whole process works, so I gave it a shot and allowed it to scan through my digital life. The scanning process can be quite time-consuming, taking a few hours, so it might be best to do it while you’re busy with other things.

Unfortunately, I discovered I didn’t meet the minimum requirement to make the most of this feature. To effectively use it, you need at least 1,000 photos showing you in easily recognizable clothing—otherwise, you’ll be staring at a blank screen.

For people who have enough relevant images, the feature allows you to “try on” up to six different items digitally—like shirts, pants, or accessories—without the hassle of putting them on. It kinda resembles the clothing picker from “Clueless,” making it much easier to visualize which pieces work well together for creating an outfit.

One notable thing you can’t do, though, is upload images of clothes you find online to see how they would look on you. For now, Google’s Wardrobe is only intended for items you already have.

Of course, this feature raises several concerns regarding possible misuse or abuse. For example:

• It’s accessible to anyone with an eligible Google Account who meets the age requirements of their region. In the U.S., that means anyone aged 13 and older can use it. The details around Google’s age restrictions imply that while teens can access Google AI tools, some generative AI features are limited to those 18 and older. There’s still some confusion about whether minors can be scanned and included in this system.
• The setup allows you to stylize any person you like, not just yourself. So technically, you could select a friend, family member, or even someone you don’t know to digitally try on outfits.
• Some clothing is undeniably more intimate than others, and there isn’t much information regarding how Google’s Wardrobe handles private apparel if it shows up in a scan.

Blaze News reached out to Google to address these concerns, and they provided this response:

We take protecting kids seriously. We have strong safeguards for the Google Photos Wardrobe feature, including restrictions on allowed clothing types, modesty guardrails to prevent nudity, and age limits that prevent access by younger users.

Google further clarified that revealing attire, like swimwear and lingerie, is prohibited for all users. Accounts for children under 13 cannot utilize the Wardrobe feature at all, although underage teens may still access it under Google’s age guidelines. In addition, the Wardrobe feature adheres to Google’s generative AI prohibited use policy, which disallows creating intimate imagery or any kind of exploitation.

For now, the Wardrobe feature is limited to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers. While it seems like a premium offering for now, it might eventually become available to free users as part of Google’s standard features. Fortunately, the Wardrobe won’t activate unless you enable it yourself.