PastBook, an Amsterdam-based startup, has brought its web-to print photobook service to iOS. It looks and feels very much like something Google would create, thanks to some clever AI integrations. That's a good thing.We are approaching a generation that has grown up in a world in which photography is almost entirely digital. There is no substitute for artistic prints, family albums, and the beauty of a tangible memoir about your journey as a shutterbug, subject or both.PastBook offers simple photobook solutions. But what is most fascinating (to Neural) about the company's use of AI?Modern iPhones are equipped with amazing cameras, AI and software. This often means that people take photos of everything. Many of us have thousands upon thousands of images stored on our phones. We might never see them again if we didn't use memories apps or post them to social media.PastBook asks for a date and location, then it sort through your photos to determine which are the best. This includes identifying duplicates and using computer visualisation to determine which images you are most likely to like.The idea behind the photobook is to make sifting through thousands or hundreds of photos a quick and easy task that produces a book that looks hand-curated.This actually works quite well in practice. It creates captivating collages and selects high-quality images. It allows you to modify the images and create collage layouts if it fails.PastBook's interface is not the best. There are very few options. This is not a problem, but a warning. This service was designed to be accessible by anyone with an iPhone. You won't find photo editing or any other complicated functions.This free app is essentially a UI for a photobook printer service. This means that there is almost no reason for you to download the app if you aren't interested in ordering PastBooks products.We were more interested in the curation AI. It is important to mention that we didn't review the actual printed products.The company offers a satisfaction warranty and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from every platform it has been on. So, everything seems to be going well. However, dissatisfaction is possible with personalized products.Pastbooks has more information. The app can be downloaded here for iOS starting on 29 June.
