Google Labs launches Dreambeans app that turns your data into cartoons

In short: Google Labs has launched Dreambeans, a new iOS and Android app that uses your Google account data, with permission, to create cartoon-like daily “stories” with suggestions.

What happened

Google Labs, Google’s group for testing new product ideas, released an app called Dreambeans. It is available on iOS and Android, but only for eligible U.S. Google AI Ultra subscribers right now. Google also opened a waitlist for people with a personal Google account.

Dreambeans creates a limited set of illustrated “stories” each day, usually about 10 to 14. These stories are based on information from Google services you choose to connect, like Gmail, Calendar, Photos, YouTube, and Search History. Think of it like a highlight reel of prompts and reminders, except it is drawn like a cartoon.

The stories can include ideas like places to visit, topics to explore, events you should know about, or upcoming trips. For example, if your calendar shows you are getting a new dog, Dreambeans might share tips about living with a puppy. It can also surface articles from the web based on what you have looked at before.

Google says the app is meant to reduce “doomscrolling” by offering only a small, fixed number of items per day. On privacy, the product lead said the stories are only visible to the user, users can delete data, and users can pick which services are connected.

Why it matters

Apps like this depend on personal data to feel helpful, which means users need clear choices and strong privacy controls. Dreambeans also shows how tech companies are trying to make phone time feel more intentional, by giving you a short daily batch instead of an endless feed.

Source: TechCrunch AI