According to Android Police, Google Messages is rolling out a new AI-powered Remix feature in November 2025 that lets users transform photos directly within the messaging app. The feature is powered by Gemini’s Nano Banana image model and allows you to edit any image by pressing and holding it, revealing a Remix button with a peeled banana icon. It’s currently limited to Android phones set to English in seven countries: Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. Google’s official announcement confirms the feature can transform images in various ways, from giving friends new hairstyles to turning puppies into action figures. The rollout is happening gradually, so not all eligible users will see it immediately.
Why this matters
Here’s the thing – we’ve all been there. You see a photo in a chat and think “this would be hilarious as a cartoon” or “what if we gave them purple hair?” But jumping between apps to generate AI images is a hassle. Basically, Google just eliminated like five steps between having an idea and actually sending the result.
And honestly, this feels like where messaging is heading anyway. Remember when adding filters to photos required separate apps? Now it’s built into everything. AI image generation is following the same path – from standalone websites to integrated features. The peeled banana icon is actually kind of charming, isn’t it? Much better than another boring gear or magic wand.
The bigger picture
What’s really interesting here is the timing. We’re seeing AI features get baked directly into core apps rather than staying as separate experiences. Google could have just told people to use Gemini separately, but they’re integrating it right where the conversation happens.
I wonder how long until we see this level of AI integration across all messaging platforms. Meta’s probably already working on something similar for WhatsApp and Messenger. And Apple? They’ll likely announce their version next WWDC with some fancy name and slightly different implementation.
The country restrictions make sense for a gradual rollout, but it’s still frustrating when cool features launch piecemeal. At least it’s not limited to Pixel devices – that would have been genuinely annoying for Android users with other brands.
What’s next
Look, this is clearly just the beginning. Once people get comfortable remixing static images, we’ll probably see video manipulation, voice changing, and who knows what else. The line between “real” and “AI-enhanced” content in casual conversations is about to get seriously blurry.
And honestly, that’s both exciting and a little concerning. But for now? I’m just looking forward to turning my friend’s dog into a superhero action figure without leaving our group chat. Sometimes progress is just about making fun things easier.
