Google just declared itself a contender in AI design

Source: TechCrunch

Overview

Google announced at its annual Google I/O event that it is launching Pics, a new AI‑powered design and image‑generation app for Google Workspace. The app is intended to be accessible to everyone, from teachers to small business owners.

Features

• Text‑to‑image generation – Users can create social media graphics, invitations, marketing materials, and mock‑ups simply by entering a text prompt, without needing editing skills or advanced tools.
• Editable outputs – Powered by Gemini, every element in a generated design is fully adjustable. Users can:
  • Write a new prompt to modify the image.
  • Click a part of the design, leave a comment (similar to Google Docs feedback), or edit directly without a prompt (e.g., change the time on a birthday invitation).
• Collaboration – Built natively into Google Workspace, allowing visual collaboration across Docs, Slides, and other apps.
• Export options – Designs can be downloaded, copied, printed, or shared, and can be handed off for further edits.

Technical Details

• Model – Pics is powered by Nano Banana 2, which supports precise text rendering, real‑world knowledge, and detailed visual output.
• Editing layer – Gemini handles the editing capabilities, enabling granular adjustments to generated images.

Availability

• The app is initially being tested by a group of users at I/O.
• It will roll out to Google AI Ultra subscribers later this summer.

Competitive Landscape

Google’s entry positions Pics against popular design tools such as Canva and AI‑native competitors like Claude Design from Anthropic. The move underscores the growing importance of AI‑powered design for businesses that rely on visual content.