Spotify Wrapped may not be the sole service providing a year-end recap. Google Photos has also joined the fray, offering users a look back at key moments of the past year. "2024 Recap" is the feature in question, presenting a collection of memories, insights, and photos. Moreover, it can be enhanced with AI captions.

AI Caption Feature in Google Photos

This feature is available to selected users in the US. Those who have opted in to using AI in Photos can add personalized captions generated by Google's Gemini AI model. These captions highlight the two biggest moments of the year, such as big events, trips, celebrations, and other milestones. It adds a unique touch to the photos, making them more meaningful.

Recap Beyond Photos App

The 2024 Recap not only includes memories and insights within the Photos app but also allows for sharing on other social media platforms. It provides personalized metrics like the number of photos taken, videos captured, and the hours of footage. This gives users a comprehensive overview of their photo activities throughout the year.

Challenges of Annual Photo Recaps

The challenge with annual photo recaps is that we don't always capture the good things we want to remember. Sometimes, we document life's harder moments too. For example, in one case, Google Photos reminded the user that their house burned down in March. While it was a key moment, the user might have preferred to skip those memories. Some people also have to face difficult memories like those with a loved one who has passed away or happier times with an ex. Currently, AI isn't advanced enough to understand which photos we'd rather avoid.

Fun Re-sharing with Positive Years

If you had a largely positive year, the new Recap becomes a fun way to re-share your favorite moments with friends and family. It allows you to relive the good times and share them with those close to you. It adds a sense of joy and nostalgia to the year.The 2024 Recap is currently rolling out to Google Photos. Users will receive a notification when their recap is ready. To access the AI captions feature, make sure you've opted into using Gemini in Photos.