Google has officially introduced its latest AI-powered image generator, Nano Banana, directly into Google Search and NotebookLM, allowing users to create, transform, and stylize visuals without leaving their favorite apps.
The move marks another step in Google’s push to embed generative AI tools across its ecosystem.
Built on Gemini 2.5 Flash, Google’s Nano Banana model integrates seamlessly into Search through Google Lens and AI Mode.
A new “Create” tab now appears in Lens, letting users take or upload a photo and use AI prompts to modify it in real time. Whether you want to turn a snapshot into a cartoon, add artistic flair, or generate a new image entirely from text prompts, Nano Banana handles it within Search.
Users can also start from scratch using AI Mode, crafting fully original visuals without switching to another app — a clear move to rival standalone AI art tools.
Supercharging NotebookLM with creative video overviews
In NotebookLM, Google has made Nano Banana the creative engine behind its Video Overviews feature. This tool automatically turns uploaded documents into narrated explainer videos — now with added visual flair.
The update introduces six new artistic styles:
Watercolor
Papercraft
Anime
Whiteboard
Retro Print
Heritage
Users can also choose between two types of summaries — a detailed “Explainer” video or a short “Brief.”
What sets this apart is context-aware animation. Nano Banana pulls visuals directly from your document’s content instead of adding random stock imagery, creating smarter, more relevant visuals.
Who can benefit from Nano Banana?
From students preparing visual study guides to professionals crafting quick presentation mockups, Nano Banana brings a visual boost to Google’s productivity tools. It functions like a “Smart Reply for images,” turning text-based ideas into dynamic visuals in seconds.
This strategy mirrors moves by Microsoft and Adobe — integrating AI models like Copilot and Firefly into existing apps. However, Google’s advantage lies in Nano Banana’s consistency, with over five billion images already created using the model.
According to Google, the AI preserves facial details, layout, and artistic style across multiple images — a key improvement over earlier generative models.
What’s next: Nano Banana in Google Photos
Google confirmed that Google Photos is next in line to receive Nano Banana support. The feature will likely allow users to stylize or edit existing photo memories with generative AI.
And for creators who prefer hands-on control, Google has even launched Nano Banana-enabled camera hardware, designed to edit visuals in real time.
