Google Photos for iOS update comes with unlimited storage, animation sharing, face labelling function; 1 notable feature coming soon

By Staff Writer

Oct 06 2015, 06:07 AM EDT

Google Photos for iOS is upped to version 1.4 and boasts new functions like sharing animation, labelling and merging face groups, and an unlimited photo storage. A remarkable feature known as Chromecast support is still missing, but Google says it will come soon.

In a Google+ post, the giant search engine company revealed that an update to Google Photos for iOS app is now available. Phone Arena reported that the app has been bumped up to version 1.4 and brings many treats or new features to iOS users.

One such feature is the animation sharing function. With the update, iOS users can now share animated photos in their original format from Google to their contacts on Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

Google Photos for iOS update also gives users the ability to label people in photographs, search for specific people using specific words, and merge face groups. However, this is only applicable to users residing in the U.S. Google has not released information regarding when this perk will be extended to international iOS users.

Users who have a lot of photos can find Google Photos' unlimited storage feature useful in storing their images. The unlimited storage is free as long as photos to be stored are below a particular resolution. There are options to gain extra 100GB storage space for $1.99 a month or 1TB for $9.99.

According to a report by International Business Times, the updated Google Photos for iOS does not support Chromecast streaming yet. It means users cannot view their photos on a large screen using Chromecast media streaming. Google announced that it will soon add Chromecast support to a future update of the app. In fact, Google Photos for Android already supports this feature.

Other improvements that came with the Google Photos for iOS update include faster start-up, better performance, and bug fixes. Tech Times reported that users now have the option to back up their photographs privately instead of backing up on the cloud. An update to Google Drive allows sending faster, private backup copies of images to Drive instead of Photos.

Google Photos for iOS app version 1.4 can be downloaded for free in iTunes for iPhone and iPad. The app requires devices to have iOS 8.1 or higher.