Photo backup

[hub1]

Just got an update for Photos app on my Pixel 5....this is in the "what's new" section.

"We are changing our unlimited High quality storage policy. Starting June 1, 2021, any new photos and videos you upload in High quality will count toward your Google Account storage. All photos and videos you back up in High quality before June 1, 2021 are exempt from this change and will not count toward your Google Account storage."

Seems like Google changed their minds?

 

[B. Diddy]

That's in contradiction to what the Google Photos head had just tweeted out, so my guess is that's not correct. Perhaps he tweeted to counter what people may have been seeing in their app?

 

[hub1]

Maybe, but the update has a date of March 15, 2021. I'm confused ??????

 

[B. Diddy]

Oh, you're talking about the description in the Play Store -- I think that notice is intended for non-Pixel owners.

 

[straygator]

https://gizmodo.com/current-pixel-owners-will-get-to-keep-unlimited-storage-1846476622

As I understand it, according to this Gizmodo article, owners of Pixel phones 1-5 will continue to enjoy unlimited Google Photos storage of HQ photos -- that's "high quality," not "original quality" -- after June 1, when other users of Google Photos will be subject to the 15GB free storage limit. This appears to be consistent with the policy changes announced by Google last November. Because I prefer to have my photos preserved in "original quality," a free perk that came with my old Pixel 2XL but was due to expire early this year, I went ahead and purchased the Google One 2TB storage option shortly after I upgraded to my Pixel 5 in November. In my opinion, the fee of $100 per year seems a small price to pay for the comfort of not having to be concerned about reductions in quality or adequate storage space for my photos; and as a bonus, I can share that storage space with my other family members who use Google Photos.

 

[B. Diddy]

I went ahead and purchased the Google One 2TB storage option shortly after I upgraded to my Pixel 5 in November. In my opinion, the fee of $100 per year seems a small price to pay for the comfort of not having to be concerned about reductions in quality or adequate storage space for my photos; and as a bonus, I can share that storage space with my other family members who use Google Photos.

I plan to do this as well. A nice added perk is the Google VPN service that comes with the 2 TB plan, so compared to paying for something like NordVPN, which is anywhere form $60 to $100 per year depending on the plan or discount, it's a much better value.

 

[hub1]

Oh, you're talking about the description in the Play Store -- I think that notice is intended for non-Pixel owners.

Gotcha, thanks. I hadn't seen that.

 

[B. Diddy]

Also, if you open your Photos app, tap your profile pic at the upper right, then Account Storage, then the message about backing up, it should give you valid details about your plan.