App Reviews

Remix is an AI engine that generates images you can do something with immediately. The gateway enticement is Magic Camera, a snappy app that lets you shoot a selfie, add a text prompt, and simply be amazed. Even if you've become weary from reading about AI this and AI that, go to Magic Camera (it's 100% free) and give it a shot. Magic Camera Link here.

Remix AI is a generative AI app that lets you create images and videos from app-generated suggestions, text prompts, photos or other image forms. Remix AI then invites you to share your creations, much like a social media application. Magic Camera is a free web version accessible via a browser. Smile at the camera on your smartphone, tablet or laptop, take a selfie, and enter a text prompt. The results are remarkable—and often hilarious.

If you get hooked (we did) download the app and set up an account. Everything is free, but you have the opportunity to upgrade to the Pro version for a fee. Remix AI is not recommended for youngsters under 12.

Partial Backstory
Remix AI was created by an elite team of executive alums from OpenAI, Instagram, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft. These folks obviously know what they're doing because the app ticks every box.

“Generative AI represents an inflection point for creativity akin to the advent of the camera or the internet," Remix AI CEO and Co-Founder, Mike Dougherty, told Shutterbug. "Anyone can now create images, video, or audio, in seconds, from their ideas and imaginations. We designed Remix AI so anyone can try generative AI creation, right from their browser, for free. This fun and frictionless experience allows you to experiment with prompting, and even AI selfies, to explore the potential of this new creative technology.”

Yes, But Are My Pictures Safe?
We asked Remix AI if users need to worry (or at least wonder) about their personal images being used inappropriately by the wizard behind the curtain.

This is the reply from their team: "We store images made temporarily so we can display them on the web link, so users can see the history of that link. Once a user sets up their account, we then store the images for them forever. We don't use the images for some other purposes."

Key Features
Remix AI bills itself as "The AI app for creating and connecting with friends." This is the path of differentiation they have taken, and from what I see in today's typhoon of social media indulgence, it was a genius move.

Other features of Remix AI Pro include AI Filters, Turbo, Loops, 3D, Inpainting, Facemix, Text Overlay, 3mix, Upscaling, Background Removal and support for video and audio.

The Negatives
Occasionally, an image leans toward the stark side. Some might be scary for sensitive viewers. So heed the warning and limit access to people 12+ YOA. I did not push the limits or test the boundaries of their submission guidelines, so I may be crying "wolf" here just a little.

Images download from Magic Camera have a Remix AI watermark and are in WebP format. These files can easily be converted to JPEG or PNG by right-clicking the image and selecting the Quick Actions/Convert Images function on a Mac. Regarding the watermark issue, I think Remix AI has every right to include it, so I am not going to suggest you screen-capture the image instead of downloading it. Most Shutterbug readers have already thought of that, anyway.

Downloaded images are all named "result.webp." Depending on how your computer or smart device is set up, you may overwrite previously downloaded files. My request to Remix developers: please append a date/time code or other unique identifier to the "result" filename. And while you're at it, why not seize the branding opportunity and name the file "remix_result"?

On a few of the dozens of selfies I remixed, the app elongated my forehead to an extreme degree. I think it had something to do with the angle of my iMac monitor. Or maybe it determined I have more Neanderthal DNA than the average bear. At least it ignored the unsightly, turkey-like waddle of sagging skin under my chin, although it didn't make my ears any smaller (dammit!).

Get The App
Download Remix AI from Google Play.
Download Remix AI from Apple's App Store.
Not convinced? Open Magic Camera and give it a fling. It's fast, it's fun, and it's free.

Want to Become a Better Photographer?
Begin by taking more pictures. Carry a camera everywhere you go and shoot even when you’re 100% sure the picture won't turn out. Review all of your images with a critical eye and share them with others—and that includes posting the best on our Gallery. Subscribe to our newsletter (see sign-up form on our homepage) and bookmark Shutterbug as a Favorite on your browser so you can check back often. We’re in this for the same reason you are—we love photography, and we're learning more about it every day.

—Jon Sienkiewicz