Google Photos is introducing a number of improvements to its Memories functionality, which showcases your treasured photos from previous years. The company states that over the coming month, Memories will be expanded to encompass 3D Cinematic photos, refreshed collage styles, and innovative Memory types. These “new types” of Memories could highlight the individuals who are most significant in your life or your preferred subjects—such as sunsets, hobbies like baking or hiking, or anything else that appears to hold special meaning based on your uploaded photos.

Google points out that the application allows you to conceal specific individuals or timeframes if there are portions of your photo history you would prefer not to have reappear in Memories. You also have the ability to disable notifications regarding Memories if you do not find this feature appealing.

The introduction of these new Memory types follows a year marked by challenges, where many users were confined to their homes due to the pandemic and discovered alternative forms of entertainment. Rather than attending large events, like concerts or parties, or traveling to new places, a significant number of people remained closer to home and spent more time with family. The updated Memories feature will help to bring to light some of these “favorite activities” experienced during a year when people may not have captured as many personal photos as usual.

Google Photos’ new 3D Cinematic images are generated through the use of machine learning, which estimates the depth of the image to create a three-dimensional depiction of the scene. Google notes that this process will function even if the original photo did not contain depth information from the camera. The feature then simulates a virtual camera movement for a fluid panning effect, designed to make revisiting your memories a more immersive experience.

You will receive a notification when Google Photos generates new Cinematic Photos. The new image will be displayed in the recent highlights section at the top of your photo grid. From there, you can share the photo with friends or family, or send it as a video.

The updated collage designs may have already become visible to some Google Photos users, as they began to be released earlier in December.

These collages enable you to create designs resembling scrapbooks with your photos—but instead of utilizing physical materials, Google Photos will automatically design the layouts using artificial intelligence. This includes selecting a background that complements the chosen photos, identifying similar colors, and then applying those colors to accent the font and background of the collage, according to the company.

Google notes that the complete rollout of all features will be finished within the next month. To experience the enhancements, you will need to have the latest version of the Google Photos application.