Google Photos to introduce 'Recover Storage' feature for Android users
Google Photos is developing a new feature called 'Recover Storage' aimed at addressing the common issue of storage space for Android users. This feature will be included in the forthcoming version 6.78 of the Photos app. The information was revealed by PiunikaWeb and tipster AssembleDebug, who discovered the hidden feature in the app's code. Currently, users can save images in either their original quality or a compressed 'storage saver' format, but this only applies to newly added files.
'Recover Storage' feature to compress existing files
The 'Recover Storage' feature, once manually activated, will allow users to reduce the size of existing photos/videos stored in the app's cloud storage. This functionality is demonstrated in screenshots found under the 'Manage storage' menu, specifically under the 'Recover storage' heading. The option is labeled as 'Convert photos to Storage saver,' with a brief description stating: "Recover some storage by switching existing Original quality to Storage saver quality." Previously, such compression was only possible on Google Photos for web.
Accessing the feature in future updates
While the 'Recover Storage' feature is not yet available, it's anticipated that users will be able to access it via the Photos Settings > Backup > Manage storage > Convert photos to Storage saver route once it's launched in future updates. This upcoming feature aims to provide a solution for Google Photos users who wish to reclaim storage space by compressing existing files. The new update will not affect items stored or added elsewhere on Google, like Gmail or Drive.