Google unveiled a new AI-driven design and image-generation app called Pics at its Google I/O event, aimed at Google Workspace users. The app is designed to be user-friendly for everyone from educators to entrepreneurs. Pics allows users to create visuals such as social media graphics, invitations, marketing materials, and mock-ups with simple text prompts. This move positions Google against design platforms like Canva and AI competitors like Anthropic. Initial testing begins at I/O, with a broader launch to Google AI Ultra subscribers this summer.
While current AI models are adept at generating images, they struggle with precise edits. Pics addresses this by making images editable. Powered by Gemini, each element in a design is adjustable. Users can modify images by prompts, comments, or direct edits, such as changing text on a party invite.
The app uses Nano Banana 2, enhancing text rendering and visual output. Integrated into Google Workspace, Pics supports collaborative design efforts. Completed designs can be downloaded, shared, or edited by others if needed.