Google Photos is getting two new, and rather fundamental, new features. The first lets you "favorite" your own photos, and the second lets you "like" your friends' photos. These are such fundamental feature it makes you wonder what took Google so long.

Google is constantly improving Google Photos, incorporating many of the best features from the dearly departed Picasa. In 2017, Google added several new features to Google Photos, and it looks as though that trend is set to continue through 2018 and beyond.

Making Favorites and Likes Fresh Again

As indicated at Google I/O 2018, Google has plenty of things in store for Google Photos, but it's starting with the simple stuff. Which means introducing favorites and likes, which are both fundamental elements of other services such as social networks.

First up is favorites. This is, as you would expect, a way of collecting your favorite photos. When browsing your collection in Google Photos, just tap the Star icon on those you really like. This marks it as a favorite, and adds it to an album of your favorite photos.

Next comes likes. This lets you show your appreciation for photos shared by friends. When browsing a shared album or viewing a shared photo, just tap the Heart icon to like it. This doesn't accomplish anything except make your friend feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Favorites is rolling out this week, so by the time you read this you should have access to it. If not, update Google Photos at your earliest convenience. Google suggests likes are "coming soon," so you'll just have to keep an eye out for the Heart icon.

Google Photos Can Only Get Better

Google Photos is an fantastic little app that makes managing photos on your smartphone simple. Just look at these amazing Google Photos features for proof. However, as these additions show, there are some elementary things missing for no apparent reason.

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