Google has introduced “ImageFX,” a state-of-the-art AI image generator accessible through Labs. This innovative tool is powered by the Imagen 2 model, the same model that drives AI image creation within Bard.
ImageFX joins Google’s expanding suite of specialised tools for generative artificial intelligence, alongside MusicFX and TextFX, offering users creative freedom in various domains like visuals, music, and stylized text.
Developed by Google’s advanced AI lab, DeepMind, Imagen 2 is a powerful model capable of generating diverse and high-quality images based on simple text prompts. Google claims it sets a new standard for image quality, surpassing its predecessors.
Imagen 2 will not only be integrated into ImageFX and Bard but is also set to feature in Duet AI—an essential generative AI service embedded within Workspace apps like Docs and Slides.
To refine the ImageFX prompt experience, Google adopted techniques from MusicFX’s user interface. Users can experiment with changes swiftly using “expressive chips,” offering a seamless and intuitive experience.
When a prompt is given, such as “a photorealistic depiction of a dog riding a surfboard,” the system highlights keywords like photorealistic, dog, and surfboard. Users can explore alternatives for each keyword through a convenient drop-down menu selection.
To counter potential misuse, Google implemented SynthID in the generated images, a technique crafted by DeepMind. SynthID introduces a covert watermark within generated content, making it resistant to easy removal or extraction. This watermark reveals the artificial origins of the images, addressing transparency and accountability concerns.
To ensure responsible usage, Google has incorporated protective measures, including filters against violent, offensive, or sexually explicit content. Additionally, the model is designed not to produce images featuring known or named individuals. Extensive adversarial testing is conducted to identify and mitigate harmful or problematic content.
All images generated using ImageFX include IPTC metadata, providing more information to users encountering AI-generated images. ImageFX is accessible through Google’s AI Test Kitchen, available in the U.S., Kenya, New Zealand, and Australia, and limited to English-language users.