You all will agree that Google Photos is an excellent service when it comes to storing images and videos. Not only this, but many people have enjoyed its benefit of free service.
Google introduces new updates now and then, which seems great and adds up to your benefit. However, it seems like this time, the company will change one of its policies that won’t make you happy.
Google is planning to change the way you use its service named Google Photos. The service enables you to upload unlimited pictures and videos so you can free up data on your phone to make more storage space. Now, the company has announced that the pictures uploaded to Google Photos will start counting soon against your Google account storage.
It has been pointed out by Google that they offer much more storage than any other service. For instance, only 5GB is offered by Apple’s iCloud. It claims that you can store at least three years of data using the 15GB storage.
The change applies to everyone, either you use the 15GB free tier or any of the Google One plans. Once you hit the 15GB mark, you won’t be exempted. Additionally, you’ll be notified via an email if you’re getting close to hitting the free 15GB tier. If you want to save yourself from the same, owning a Google Pixel phone is the only solution. Honestly, it’s a smart move by the company that they announced the same six months prior to prepare its users.
Moreover, if you have pictures already uploaded in the Google Photos app or the ones you upload until the change takes place, it won’t count. It won’t be considered until you choose to edit or alter the images using the service.
One big question being asked by the users is, what’s the need for such a change by the company? Well, Google explained via a blog post that the policy change would help them keep pace with the storage demand. The company also aims at providing a high-quality experience. They also mentioned that the change is big, and it might take some time for the users to absorb the information, but announcing the same in advance will make it easier.
Now, what will happen if the storage limit is exceeded? Well, there is no solution to the same, and you won’t be able to do much about it until or unless you clear up some space. Google One plan will enable you to fill out some storage and give more space; however, the company mentioned that it’d automatically delete your data after two years if nothing is done about the same.
One good thing is that the prices for Google One plan won’t change. It starts at $1.99 per month for 100GB of space. Additionally, it has other tier options, including 200GB, 2TB, up to 30TB.
Apart from photos, Google will also charge for files that you create using its productivity apps against the storage limit. Though these files don’t take much storage, you must keep track of the same.
Coming down to the conclusion, nothing lasts free. Thus, Google will make its users pay for the service if you go beyond using the 15GB free storage.
