Google is back with yet another experimental AI tool. This time it"s Mixboard, which it calls "a new way to visualize your ideas."
Mixboard features an "open canvas" and, of course, generative AI, possibly powered by one of its Gemini models. The company says Mixboard is capable of helping you concept just about anything, from home decor to a new product.
You can start a project with a text prompt or use a pre-made board. Users can add their own images, or generate visuals with descriptions like "show me cups, bowls, and plates in Memphis style," or "show me birds with googly eyes."
The tool also allows you to edit boards using natural language to make changes or combine images, a feature powered by a new image editing model Google calls Nano Banana. It can generate text based on images already on your board and includes one-click options like "regenerate" to quickly create new versions of your ideas.
Google says that Mixboard is now available as a public beta in the US. You can try the experiment at labs.google/mixboard. The company also encourages users to join its Discord community, so if you encounter any issues, you can let the team on Discord know.
Speaking of generative AI, Google recently expanded access to conversational editing, a feature that was previously exclusive to the Pixel 10, to more Android users in the US.
This function lets you edit photos in Google Photos by simply typing or speaking commands, with Gemini models handling the complex adjustments. However, there are some eligibility requirements: you must be over 18, be in the United States, and have certain settings like Face Groups and location estimates enabled.
In addition to that, the company"s AI Mode in Search just received Spanish language support globally. AI Mode uses a "query fan-out" technique that runs multiple related searches on various subtopics and then synthesizes all the findings into a single response.