Gempix surfaces in Whisk as Google tests precise reference modes

Gempix has now been found not only in Gemini’s code but also in Whisk, an experimental Google Labs project. In Whisk’s code, it appears within a “Precise Reference” toggle offering three modes: Default, GEM_PIX, and R2I, the latter likely standing for “reference to image.” This suggests upcoming support for reference images and expanded image editing options across multiple model variants.

Public Whisk currently runs on Imagen 3, but trusted testers are already using Imagen 4, which these new reference models appear to build upon. The combination of Gempix, reference-based editing, and Imagen 4 points to Google developing more advanced AI image tools, possibly merging Gemini’s native generation with reference-driven workflows.

Given the timing, these capabilities may be introduced at the Made by Google event on August 20, potentially debuting on Pixel devices and in Labs experiments before a wider rollout. This aligns with Google’s recent strategy of tying AI features to hardware launches and progressively opening them beyond the test group.

Source: Anonymous tip