Sony updated the beta version of the Album app recently to version 8.0.1, which brought about a number of changes. The biggest is the inclusion of a new quick search button on the bottom right of the screen. However, this is not search as seen within the Google Photos app, but instead it filters the files based on camera pictures, videos, screenshots etc.
One change that might annoy you is the removal of the favourite star button, this has now been moved to the options menu. Sony has also added Android 7.0 Nougat support, which means the app can be run in multiple windows. Beta users should have already received the update via the Google Play Store, or you can download the APK below.
DOWNLOAD APK: Album (8.0.A.1.4)
Thanks Ben and difwwh!