Google+ Users Get New AutoAwesome Features

Google has already updated its AutoAwesome feature with two new kinds of, well, AutoAwesome. For those not in the know, the Google+ feature automatically takes certain uploaded photos and adds a GIF-style animated layer on top.

“Just in time for the holidays, we’re rolling out two new ways to make your Google+ photos more awesome, automatically,” the company wrote in a Google+ post. “Add some extra sparkle to your photos this holiday season with Twinkle and Snow, two new kinds of #AutoAwesome. Learn more and don't forget to share your winter snapshots so everyone can enjoy some holiday cheer.”

Twinkle and Snow are geared toward winter-themed photographs that either feature snow or twinkle lights. If not particularly useful, AutoAwesome is certainly cute and pairs nicely with Mountain View’s other holiday offerings, which so far include a virtual Santa’s Village and physical Winter Wonderlab, which has locations in New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, New Jersey, Los Angeles and Sacramento.

The new AutoAwesome features are as follows:

1) Twinkle: upload a new photo of something that sparkles (like a Christmas tree or a chandelier), and we'll gift you a version with lights that actually twinkle.

2) Snow: upload a new photo with snow to Google+, and we'll gift you a version with snow that’s actually falling.

“In both cases, you'll get a notification when your #AutoAwesome image is ready. We hope these features help you celebrate the ‘wonder’ in winter wonderland!”

While the new features don’t require any user intervention, there are already several comments on the company’s Google+ page indicating that not all photos featuring twinkle lights or snow are receiving the AutoAwesome treatment. Most likely, this points to a phased roll out of AutoAwesome, so hopefully Google will be able to reach the entirety of its user base by Christmas.