Turning Selfies Into Masterpieces With AI

The team behind popular 3D design tool Rooms is back with something completely different - and unexpectedly fun. Their new iOS app Mixup applies artificial intelligence to photo editing in ways that feel more like playing a game than using traditional software.

How It Works: Creative Mad Libs for Photos

At its core, Mixup solves the blank canvas problem that intimidates so many would-be creators. Instead of staring at an empty prompt box wondering what to type, users get structured "recipes" with fill-in-the-blank options:

• Character: [Your pet]
• Style: [Renaissance painting]
• Scenario: [At a royal banquet]

"We wanted to remove the anxiety of creation," explains Jason Toff, founder of parent company Things Inc. "The recipe format gives people guardrails while still leaving room for surprise."

The app runs on Google's Nano Banana model (yes, that's really its name) and includes clever quality-of-life features like Before/After sliders - no more endlessly generating variations hoping for something usable.

Social Features With Consent Controls

Mixup introduces "Mixables," letting friends remix each other's photos into increasingly absurd scenarios (picture your colleague as a space cowboy or your dog as CEO). All shared images default to follower-only access, with clear opt-out options for privacy-conscious users.

The business model uses credit packs starting with 100 free credits (worth about $4), then charging roughly 4 cents per generated image. Subscription plans offer monthly bundles for frequent creators.

What's Next?

The team plans Android and web versions if iOS adoption meets targets, along with potential video recipe features down the line. For now, curious iPhone users can pre-order on the App Store ahead of its November 21 launch.

Key Points:

• New AI photo app from former Google team
• Uses fill-in-the-blank "recipes" instead of traditional prompts
• Includes social sharing features called "Mixables"
• Launches first on iOS with Android/web versions possible later
• Free starter credits then pay-per-use model