Pixel Studio lets you create complex images with simple text prompts, rolling out on Pixel 9 phones

This year all Google events have been high on AI and the latest Made by Google event showcasing the new-gen Google Pixel devices was no exception. During the event, Google announced the Pixel 9 series along with a host of new AI features, including a new dedicated app, Pixel Studio, designed for image generation. Powered by a combination of an on-device diffusion model running on Tensor G4 and Google’s Imagen 3 text-to-image model in the cloud, Pixel Studio will make its debut exclusively with the Pixel 9 series phones.

Pixel Studio is an AI-powered image generator that uses Google’s Imagen 3 model to transform text prompts into detailed images. The app combines on-device processing with cloud-based AI to provide users with an efficient image creation experience. “It’s powered by combining an on-device diffusion model running on Tensor G4 and our Imagen 3 text-to-image model in the cloud. With a UI optimized for easy prompting, style changes, and editing, you can quickly bring your ideas to conversations with friends and family,” said Google in the official blog post.

Notably, this new AI app from Google is similar to Apple’s upcoming Image Playground, set to launch with iOS 18. Both apps allow users to generate images from text prompts. However, Pixel Studio stands out as it combines on-device AI for editing with cloud-based image generation.

How Pixel Studio works

Google explains that its Pixel Studio app operates using Google’s Tensor G4 SoC for on-device tasks like repositioning objects and erasing elements. The actual image generation, which requires more computational power, is handled by Google’s cloud-based Imagen 3 model. This combination allows for both real-time editing and detailed image creation.

During the event, Google also demonstrated the app’s capabilities by starting with an image of a bonfire and transforming it into a beach scene featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and fireworks. The process was managed through the app’s user interface, which lets users easily adjust the style and content of their images.

Pixel Studio availability

Pixel Studio will be available pre-installed on all Pixel 9 devices, making it accessible without additional downloads or subscriptions. Google has not yet confirmed if the app will be available on older Pixel devices or other Android phones, as it is optimized for the hardware and AI capabilities of the Pixel 9 series.

Google Studio joins Google’s recently announced other suite of AI features for Pixel phones, aimed at improving user interaction and convenience. One key feature is Pixel Screenshots, which allows users to manually capture screenshots and later search for information within them through conversational queries. Another notable AI feature Google announced is the enhanced Gemini assistant, which now understands screen context and provides faster, more accurate responses. Google also introduced Gemini Live, which enables more natural voice conversations, even when the screen is locked, making it easier for users to interact with the assistant on the go.

In addition to these AI-driven enhancements, Google has introduced several photo and image-editing tools. The new Magic Editor now lets users reimagine photos by typing out prompts to transform specific parts of an image, while the “Add Me” feature allows for seamless group photos by stitching multiple images together. The Pixel 9 camera also supports Circle to Search, an AI-powered tool for quickly sharing parts of an image. Other AI-driven additions include Call Notes, which summarize phone calls, and a new Pixel Weather app with customizable, AI-generated weather summaries.