Google has unveiled its new Magic Editor, which is set to change the way users edit photos. Using generative AI, the feature is designed to let users make major edits to their photos without needing professional tools.
The Magic Editor uses Google's AI technology to edit photos and add new content, effectively allowing users to re-capture moments that were not perfectly composed.
With the Magic Editor, users can move and resize subjects, remove unwanted objects or even replace the sky in an image. The feature is expected to be available on select Pixel phones later this year.
Google is no stranger to AI-based image editing, with Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur already available on Google Photos. However, the Magic Editor is a step further, enabling users to change the content of an image, potentially creating a version of events that never existed.
While the Magic Editor may help users to salvage unusable photos, it raises ethical concerns surrounding generative AI. It could become increasingly difficult to trust social media photos that have been edited with AI tools.
According to Google, the output of the Magic Editor may be flawed initially, but user feedback will be used to improve the technology.
Examples of Magic Editor in Action
Google has shared examples of the Magic Editor's capabilities, demonstrating its potential to improve photos in a variety of ways.
In one example, the Magic Editor moves a person in front of a waterfall to the side of the photo, erases people in the background, and makes the sky a prettier blue.
Google Magic editor takes generative AI capabilities to whole another level 🤌🏼
— Rajesh (@Gifted_Geek) May 10, 2023
Here's a video of Magic Editor in action.#GoogleIO #GoogleIO2023 #MagicEditor pic.twitter.com/UxsWNWWWbE
In another example, the Magic Editor adjusts the positioning of a child on a bench, creating new parts of the bench and balloons to fill the space. The AI technology is also used to make the sky more vibrant.
Since launch, Google Photos has used AI to help you search and edit your memories. Later this year, we’re introducing Magic Editor, a new feature that uses generative AI so you can reimagine your photos and apply complex edits, right from your phone.https://t.co/bB7FidfmkJ pic.twitter.com/DyFqYuvNZm
— Google Photos (@googlephotos) May 10, 2023
While these examples are impressive, the Magic Editor is not yet perfect. There are still some artifacts, such as creases from a bag strap in one photo, and a misplaced shadow under the bench in the second.
The Future of Photography
The introduction of the Magic Editor is just the latest example of how technology is revolutionizing photography. From the iPhone 14 Pro's advanced sharpening technology to Samsung's faked Moon photos, the definition of what makes a photo is evolving rapidly.
The Magic Editor offers users a new way to edit and improve their photos. While it's not perfect, it's an exciting development for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.
The feature will be available on select Pixel phones later this year. Stay tuned for updates on its release.