Google launches Firebase Studio, a new cloud-based AI-powered IDE to compete with Cursor

Google has unveiled Firebase Studio, a new cloud-based AI-powered agentic development environment to build custom apps directly in the browser in minutes. This platform, available in preview for Google account holders, builds on the features of its now-shut-down predecessor, Project IDX, and enhances them with Google's Genkit AI agents, and Google Gemini technology.

The platform provides various deployment options, including Firebase App Hosting, Google Cloud Run, or custom infrastructures. It features a console for app monitoring and a coding workspace for project refinement, with built-in services like emulation, testing, refactoring, debugging, and code documentation generation. Gemini assists with code writing, bug fixing, dependency management, unit testing, and Docker container handling. Firebase Studio also allows customization of app components, including model inference, AI agents, and business logic.

It supports project imports from GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or local machines and accommodates languages such as Java, .NET, Node.js, Go, and Python, along with frameworks like Next.js, React, Angular, Vue.js, Android, and Flutter. Users can choose from over 60 pre-built templates or use a prototyping agent to create apps using natural language and visual inputs without coding.

Regular users have access to three workspaces during the preview, while Google Developer Program members can access up to 30 workspaces. This new launch positions Google to compete against other AI-powered code editors and "vibe coding tools" like Cursor, Windsurf Editor or Lovable, which are gaining popularity.