Canva starts previewing a more powerful version of its AI assistant (www.engadget.com)

Canva has introduced Canva AI 2.0, a significant overhaul of its AI assistant ahead of its Create event in Los Angeles. Marketed as the most substantial upgrade since the platform’s launch in 2013, this version features a conversational interface that allows users to describe their design goals, which the AI then translates into actual designs. A new orchestration layer enables the assistant to utilize various Canva tools for multi-step tasks, such as creating an entire advertising campaign. Unlike many other image generation models, Canva AI allows for precise edits on each visual element, ensuring users can modify aspects like images and fonts without disrupting other design components. Additionally, Canva AI 2.0 incorporates persistent memory and deep research capabilities, learning user preferences over time and facilitating workflows that connect with apps like Notion and Slack. The enhanced coding function now supports HTML imports, allowing users to import and adapt existing code seamlessly within Canva. This refresh emphasizes Canva's goal of simplifying design without relying solely on templates, marking a strategic evolution in their offerings. The new tools are available in a research preview for a limited number of users, with plans for broader rollout, maintaining Canva's commitment to providing advanced design capabilities within their free service tier and introducing an AI Pass for increased functionality.