Google has launched a new AI project called Mixboard, which enters the territory currently occupied by Pinterest. This software allows anyone to create AI-powered mood boards. While it competes with Pinterest’s collage feature, Mixboard differentiates itself by not requiring users to have an existing image collection. Instead, individuals can start a project using simple text prompts, and the AI will generate the visual ideas. For those needing creative inspiration, pre-populated boards are also available to edit.
The service is initially available as a public beta in the United States through Google Labs. After creating images with AI, users can instruct the AI to make edits and small changes or even combine images. This functionality is powered by Google’s new image editing model, Nano Banana, which has been praised for its ability to handle complex edits and produce realistic results. The launch of Nano Banana recently helped Google’s Gemini AI app surpass ChatGPT to become the top app on the U.S. App Store.
With Mixboard, Google is directly responding to user interest in Nano Banana by integrating it into a dedicated product. The company suggests the tool can be used for brainstorming ideas related to home decor, event themes, DIY projects, and more, supporting both images and text. Users can also reimagine their mood boards by using options to regenerate images for more ideas or to generate similar content. Additionally, the AI can produce text based on the images present on a user’s board.
This move taps into a trend of interest in digital mood boards, particularly among younger users. Pinterest previously found viral success with a standalone collage app called Shuffles, which became popular with Gen Z for creating TikTok videos. The features from Shuffles were later integrated directly into Pinterest. Other companies have also explored this space, including the now-closed platform Landing, the AI-powered app Verse, and Depop, which recently launched its own fashion collaging tool.
To try Mixboard, users in the U.S. can visit the Google Labs website. A Discord community for the project is also available for users to join.