Magic Editor on the Pixel 9 wants to Reimagine pics with a whole new vibe

Do you know your Magic Eraser from your Magic Editor? Google’s been launching impressive new photo manipulation tools so often, it’s easy to get your streams crossed. But there’s at least one thing you can count on: Google launching a new Pixel phone means we can expect to see some new photo tricks making their debut. Today is no different with the introduction of the Pixel 9 series, as Google shares a couple of the latest updates landing for Magic Editor.

First up, we’ve got an addition that sounds perfect for the photographer who worries that their composition skills are full of crop: Auto frame. Quite literally, Auto frame attempts to work out the most aesthetically pleasing crop possible with your source photo, tightening in on the subject while reducing background distractions.

It even works the other way around, using AI to help it pull back a little and expand framing in a way that wasn’t before possible. If you mostly shoot from the hip and think that the “rule of thirds” is advice on mixing a cocktail, this mode sounds like an easy way to quickly get your pictures looking a whole lot more artistic.

Google is also bringing us another generative AI feature called Reimagine, which is just 100% about vibes. Back when we first got Magic Editor with the Pixel 8, Google introduced some tools that were almost filter-esque in their implementation, letting you change the look of the sky, implement a golden hour hue, or go a little crazy with a heavily stylized interpretation. Reimagine is basically taking that kind of effect to the next level, letting you create new backgrounds for your pics with only your imagination as a limit. Just tell Photos what you want to see, and show it where, and Google’s AI will do its very best to fill in the rest.

Like the first round of Magic Editor tools, these new ones are debuting as Pixel 9 exclusives. Odds are, though, we’ll likely see that expand to additional phones a few months down the line. Just don’t be surprised if Google once again limits how often you’re able to use these effects without a Pixel phone or a Google One Premium plan.