Google’s changes to its Google Photos API are disrupting features for digital photo frame users. Manufacturers, including Aura and Cozyla, will discontinue certain functionalities due to this policy change, announced in September 2024, which takes effect on March 31, 2025.

Aura, a maker of cloud-connected photo frames, revealed that its Google Photos auto-sync feature will be turned off starting March 17, 2025. This feature previously allowed users to link Google Photos albums to their frames, providing automatic updates when new images were added. Users will now need to manually upload photos using the Google Photos app.

The new Google Photos Picker API will impose stricter limitations, allowing apps to access only specific photos or albums chosen by users. As a result, direct integrations with users’ cloud photo libraries or management of shared albums will no longer be possible. Jenisse Curry, Aura’s senior director of communications, stated that the company aims to help customers transition effectively.

Cozyla has also informed its users about the discontinuation of its auto-sync feature, although more details remain unavailable at this time.

For Aura users, alternative methods exist, such as iCloud integration and auto-add features for native albums on iOS or Android devices. However, these options do not fully replace the convenience of the former Google Photos auto-sync functionality.

Additionally, last month, Google announced plans to expand Google Photos slideshow capabilities to more third-party devices, including smart TVs and digital photo frames. Currently, these features are limited to Google Nest displays and Google TVs, with no further details provided about other compatible devices or their operation. According to Aura, this new slideshow capability will not serve as a substitute for the discontinued auto-sync feature.

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