Google Photos adds new touch-up tools for ‘quick’ fixes | TechCrunch

Google Photos’ image editor is getting new touch-up tools to allow users to apply subtle edits and fixes, Google announced on Monday. You can use the new tools to remove blemishes, refine skin texture, brighten eyes, whiten teeth, and more.

You can access the touch-up tools by selecting a face in a photo, then choosing which tool you want to use: heal, smooth, under eyes, irises, teeth, eyebrows, or lips. Once you choose a tool, you can adjust the intensity of the effect.

The new touch-up tools are gradually rolling out globally in the Google Photos app on Android devices with at least 4 GB RAM and Android 9.0 and up.

By launching its own touch-up tools, Google is likely hoping that people will stay within Google Photos when editing their images instead of navigating to a third-party app to do so.

It’s worth noting that studies have shown that constantly retouching photos may be harmful and lead to negative emotions, low self-esteem, or body image issues.