Adobe’s Project Indigo camera application can now enhance photos using AI.

      Adobe established its reputation with a focus on restraint. A year ago, it introduced Project Indigo, an experimental iPhone camera app that provided photographers with a natural, SLR-like aesthetic by avoiding the extensive processing typically applied by default in smartphone cameras.

      However, the latest update takes a different direction. Version 1.1 introduces a suite of generative AI tools that can alter the style of images, remove objects, and evaluate your composition. Adobe refers to this collection as the AI Playground.

      A camera app that evaluates your photos

      The most innovative feature is the critique aspect. By pressing a button, a large language model assesses your photo, offering a “professional” opinion on aspects such as framing, lighting, color, and emotional resonance. A second button provides suggestions for reshooting or editing.

      The timing is crucial. As Indigo functions as a camera app, the feedback is given while you are still in front of the scene. Marc Levoy, who leads the project, discussed this concept in a blog announcement.

      Levoy is well-versed in this field. He developed the computational photography used in Google’s Pixel cameras before joining Adobe, as noted by TechCrunch. Google’s own Pixel “camera coach” provides less specific framing advice. In contrast, Indigo’s insights are more precise and can offer learning opportunities even if you don’t agree.

      Buttons instead of prompts

      Levoy argues that control is key. Text prompts can awkwardly guide image editing, as they often carry ambiguity even when detailed. Without sliders, it becomes a gamble with each attempt.

      His solution involves buttons. The Playground features four sections, with the majority of actions requiring just a tap on a toggle that activates a prompt devised by Adobe. Object Editing removes unwanted elements like people, vehicles, wires, fences, and clutter, then fills in the gaps, functioning similarly to Google’s Magic Eraser.

      Styles allows a shot to be rendered in different artistic styles, such as pen and ink, color wash, or golden-hour lighting. Custom Edit includes a text box for any edits that the buttons don’t address. This flexibility, as noted by TechCrunch, could lead to potential issues labeled as “slopland.”

      Powered by Google, not Adobe

      An unexpected aspect lies in the underlying model. The tools utilize Google’s Nano Banana, rather than Adobe’s proprietary software, as highlighted by The Verge. Adobe mentions it might incorporate other models later, including its own Firefly system.

      Nano Banana operates in the cloud, necessitating an internet connection for the app. Edits are limited to around 2K pixels to ensure swift processing. If the model's safety filters are triggered too frequently, as reported by Digital Trends, users may be removed from the trial.

      There’s also a clever engineering element involved. While Indigo captures images in high dynamic range, Nano Banana produces flatter images. Adobe developed a small model to enhance these images to resemble the original, based on your initial photo.

      Welcome to the ‘what is a photo’ discussion

      “Welcome to the ‘what is a photo’ debate, Adobe,” remarked The Verge, highlighting a valid point. An app once lauded for its realism now reconstructs scenes and creates backgrounds, similar to how other AI systems can generate non-existent moments.

      Adobe acknowledges this risk. The company plans to label edited images through its Content Authenticity Initiative, and Nano Banana includes an invisible watermark. Nonetheless, Levoy admits that no feature can substitute the necessity for responsible usage.

      The critique tool may emerge as a quiet standout. It encourages users to examine scenes more closely rather than simply producing more inaccuracies. The generative buttons, while expertly designed, still facilitate the easier creation of those inaccuracies.

      A brief, intentional trial

      Currently, the Playground is available for free without requiring sign-in. Only a small percentage of Indigo users will have access, and only for a limited time. Adobe's Nextcam team has made it clear that it cannot remain free indefinitely, suggesting a potential paid tier in the future.

      What Adobe discovers during this trial period is more significant than the buttons themselves. The company that once promised photographers authenticity is now exploring how far they will permit a camera to create. This outcome will influence more than just one app.