Hands-On: Google’s New Nano Banana 2 AI Image Generator
▼ Summary
– Google has released Nano Banana 2, an updated AI image generator that is faster and integrates web search, becoming the new default in its Gemini chatbot.
– The tool builds on its predecessors by combining text rendering and web search capabilities with significantly quicker image generation.
– Nano Banana 2 functions as a more powerful photo editor, continuing the trend of improving photorealistic AI tools for manipulating existing images.
– It is accessible through the Gemini app, website, Google Search, and other services, where users can generate images via prompts or an emoji.
– While capable of creating detailed infographics using real-time web data, the tool can make factual errors, underscoring the need to verify AI-generated content.
Google’s latest AI image generator, Nano Banana 2, is now the default model within the Gemini chatbot, offering users a faster and more capable tool for creating and editing pictures. This update builds on the foundation of its predecessor, Nano Banana Pro, by enhancing speed while retaining core features like text rendering and the ability to pull real-time information from the web. The tool’s growing sophistication underscores the rapid advancement of photorealistic AI, making it increasingly important for everyone to critically evaluate the images they encounter online.
The original Nano Banana model launched last August, followed by the Pro version just three months later. These tools quickly gained popularity across the internet, with people using them for everything from designing custom action figures to creating sentimental images of individuals embracing their younger selves.
In early testing through Gemini, Nano Banana 2 demonstrates significantly quicker image generation and provides more powerful editing functions. While some outputs can still appear rough or unconvincing, the overall improvement is clear. This iteration continues Google’s push toward more refined AI that can skillfully manipulate existing photographs.
Accessing the new model is straightforward. The simplest method is to use the Gemini website or mobile app. You can either tap the banana emoji icon or simply include your image request within a standard chat prompt. Nano Banana 2 is also integrated into Google’s Search tools, AI Studio, and Cloud services, making it widely available across the company’s ecosystem.
A key advertised feature is the model’s use of live web data, which is particularly handy for creating infographics. To test this, I requested a custom weather report for a weekend ski trip. My prompt asked Gemini to generate an infographic covering the conditions for a getaway to Dodge Ridge.
The initial result was visually impressive, lacking the distorted text or strange background elements that sometimes plague AI generations. It displayed daily forecasts with temperature, wind, and snow details, complete with a small disclaimer noting that weather is subject to change. However, a quick fact-check revealed a significant error: the AI had pulled outdated weather data from the previous week. When I corrected the chatbot, it efficiently used Nano Banana 2 to regenerate the infographic with the accurate forecast.
(Source: Wired)
