VSCO adds its first AI-powered photo editing tool

VSCO, a long-standing photo editing and sharing app, has introduced its first AI-powered editing tool, "Remove." This tool allows users to erase "unwanted elements" from their photos without compromising the image's full resolution, similar to Google's Magic Eraser. The company is using Black Forest Lab's FLUX.1 Kontext model, combined with its own proprietary technology, to deliver authentic-looking results. In addition to the Remove tool, VSCO is also working on an Upscale tool that will "enhance image resolution" while keeping color and composition unchanged. These AI-powered features will be part of a new umbrella called "AI Lab," indicating an ongoing initiative for the company. VSCO's CEO, Eric Wittman, acknowledges the tension between AI tools and the company's photographer-centric, creator-first approach. However, he emphasizes that the goal is to support and enhance the work of photographers, not replace it. The company is also committed to preserving image quality and avoiding issues related to copyright and inauthentic content. The Remove tool is currently available for iOS users with a VSCO Pro subscription, which includes a range of other editing features and tools.