It IS true. I've been using Google photos for 2 years now and I'm extremely happy with it.
I use Nexus phone (Google's phone) and it automatically stores all my photos in Google photos.
I can choose a date and see what photos I'd taken then.
I can type "dog" in the search box and it will show me all the photos with my dog.
I can type my name or my husband's and it will show me these.
I can type whatever I want and it really recognises it and gives me great results.
It automatically makes slideshows, videos and stories based on your photos.
It automatically enhances your shots and/or processes them in amazing ways (the option is called "Auto awesome).
Honestly, I haven't used the iCloud thing but Google photos (or Google Drive) is AMAZING!
You can, of course, use it without an Android phone -- you can use it on your computer in a web browser to upload photos and organize them in folders. Just give it try, you won't regret it
