Things, Inc., a technology firm founded by former Google employees, has launched Mixup, an iOS-exclusive artificial intelligence (AI) photo editor. The application utilizes Google's Nano Banana model and introduces a "recipe" format for AI-generated imagery, aiming to standardize user interaction with generative AI tools. The system facilitates the creation of new images from existing photos, text, or sketches by employing fill-in-the-blank prompts.
The core of Mixup's functionality resides in its integration with Google's Nano Banana, an AI model cited by Things, Inc. founder and CEO Jason Toff as uniquely capable of "maintaining image integrity in a convincing way" during the generation process. According to Toff, this capability addresses a critical limitation in previous generative AI models. The "recipe" format, which allows users to share structured prompts, is designed to mitigate what Toff described as the "blank canvas" problem, where users struggle to formulate effective creative inputs, and the "slot machine" problem, characterized by unpredictable AI outputs.
Users can publish their created prompts and resulting images to a public feed, enabling others to "Try recipe" with their own inputs. This shareable prompt structure aims to provide a clearer expectation of output by allowing users to see both the original prompt and the generated image. The platform also offers a "mixables" feature, where followers can use a user's uploaded photos for AI image generation, fostering collaborative content creation. Toff noted that the app incorporates moderation technologies, leveraging both OpenAI's capabilities and Google's built-in image model controls to restrict inappropriate content such as sexual material or violence.
Mixup launched on November 21st, available globally on the App Store via an invite-only system, optimized for iOS 26 and compatible with iOS 18 and newer versions. The application operates on a credit-based system, with users receiving an initial 100 free credits, each image generation costing approximately four cents. Subsequent use requires subscription to monthly credit tiers. While currently iOS-exclusive, the company indicated potential future expansion to web or Android platforms.
