Introducing Annotation Mode in AI Studio

Key Concepts

• Annotation Mode: A new feature in AI Studio Build that allows users to visually mark and comment on specific elements within an app interface.
• Gemini: The AI model used by AI Studio Build, capable of understanding visual input and executing requested modifications.
• Iterative Design: The process of making incremental changes and improvements to an app based on feedback and new ideas.
• Visual Understanding: Gemini's ability to interpret and process visual information, such as screenshots with annotations.

Annotation Mode in AI Studio Build

This video introduces a new "annotation mode" within AI Studio Build, designed to streamline the process of iterating on app designs and bringing ideas to life. This feature allows users to directly interact with their app's interface by highlighting specific areas and providing instructions to Gemini for modifications.

Functionality and Usage

The annotation mode is activated within the chat window of an open app in AI Studio. Users are presented with several annotation options:

• Rectangle Drawing: Users can draw a rectangle around a specific UI element and add a textual comment. For instance, a user might draw a rectangle around a piece of text and comment, "Make this a oneliner."
• Arrow Drawing: An arrow can be used to point to a particular element, accompanied by a comment. An example provided is drawing an arrow to a button and instructing, "Change this button color to purple."
• Freehand Sketching: Users can also utilize freehand drawing to cross out or indicate areas for removal. A demonstration shows crossing out a section and adding the comment, "Remove this part."

Process of Applying Annotations

Once annotations are made, the user can click "Add to chat." This action captures a screenshot of the app with the annotations overlaid and includes it in the chat conversation. The system automatically generates a prompt, such as "Apply the edits shown in the screenshots."

Gemini's Role and Capabilities

The core of this feature relies on Gemini's "nice vision understanding." After the user accepts the prompt, Gemini processes the annotated screenshot and applies the requested changes to the app. The video demonstrates this by showing the app refreshing after Gemini's processing.

Demonstrated Outcome

In the presented example, Gemini successfully executed the requested modifications:

• The text that was intended to be a "oneliner" was adjusted accordingly.
• The button color was changed to purple.
• The section indicated for removal was successfully deleted.

Benefits and Conclusion

The presenter emphasizes that this annotation mode offers a "much more natural way to iterate and describe your ideas." It simplifies the feedback loop, making it easier for developers and designers to communicate their vision and for the AI to interpret and implement those changes. The video concludes by encouraging users to try out this feature by visiting ai.studio and navigating to the "build" tab.