Google Photos Rolls Out Customizable Collections Tab in Version 7.97

Google Photos for Android is rolling out a redesigned Collections tab that lets users customize pinned sections and carousels, arriving in version 7.97. 9to5Google reported the update, which follows the floating navigation bar added in July.

What the Collections Redesign Changes

The previous Collections design opened with a 2x2 grid. Favorites and Trash sat at the top, while the other two shortcuts changed based on usage. Large cards then covered Albums, On this device, People & pets, Wardrobe, Documents, Places, Stickers and Moments, followed on Android by a list of Screenshots, Videos, Recently Added, Archive and Locked.

The redesign centers on customization. The first section, called "Pinned," lets users choose which cards appear; by default the carousel shows Favorites, Screenshots and Trash, and the section can be removed entirely. Carousels for On this device, Albums, People & pets, Wardrobe, Places and Documents follow. A "View all" option at the top-right corner jumps to the full grid or list view, and other options hide each section and rearrange their order.

The "Other Collections" grid rounds out the page with Favorites, Screenshots, Moments, Videos, Recently Added, Stickers, Creations, Archive, Locked and Trash. A "Reorder" button sits at the very bottom. The redesign is now widely rolling out with Google Photos 7.97, and 9to5Google said restarting a device and then opening the Photos app surfaced the server-side update.

Google's Product and Partnership Record

According to akta.pro company records, Google scheduled its "Made by Google" event in August 2026 to launch the Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5, debuting the Tensor G6 chip built on TSMC's 2nm process and Gemini Intelligence agentic features. The same records list a July 2026 partnership with Cypress Creek Energy to develop the Steel River Energy Center in Arkansas, where Google serves as anchor investor and energy offtaker, and a July 2026 partnership with LG Energy Solution as battery supplier for the project.

Earlier Google Launches This Month

Google released October 2026 system updates for Android, Play services, Play Store and related apps, including Android XR glasses connectivity, Find Hub improvements and Wallet updates, 9to5Google reported. Google also launched a Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air, available in Champagne Gold and Polished Silver at $69.99, 9to5Google reported. Android Authority reported that Google is building a "Remembered items" section in Gemini's Personal Intelligence settings, accessible via flags, letting users view and manage text and images they have asked Gemini to remember.