Google's AI Image Editor to Revolutionize Search, Photos, and NotebookLM
In a significant development, Google has announced that its conversational image editing model, Nano Banana, will be integrated into search, Google Photos, and NotebookLM. This move marks the next step in the evolution of AI-powered image editing, which began with the experimental "Nano Banana" model introduced earlier this year.
According to a statement from Google, the AI image editor is coming to search via Lens and AI Mode. Users can access it by opening the app on iOS or Android devices and snapping a photo. A "Create" button at the bottom of the screen will allow users to enter a prompt, telling the AI how they'd like the photo changed.
"We're excited to bring Nano Banana to more users," said a Google spokesperson. "Our goal is to make image editing accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise."
The integration of Nano Banana into search and Photos reflects Google's ongoing efforts to enhance its conversational search bot. By incorporating AI-powered image editing capabilities, the company aims to provide users with a seamless and intuitive experience.
Background and context:
Google began experimenting with conversational image editing earlier this year in its dev-focused AI studio. The "Nano Banana" model was introduced in Gemini 2.5 Flash over the summer, allowing users to modify images using just a prompt. This development marked a significant milestone in the evolution of AI-powered image editing.
Implications for society:
The integration of Nano Banana into search and Photos has far-reaching implications for society. As AI-powered image editing becomes more accessible, it is likely to democratize creative expression and enable users to produce high-quality images without extensive technical knowledge.
Additional perspectives:
Experts in the field of AI and computer vision have welcomed Google's move. "This integration will make AI-powered image editing more mainstream," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading researcher in AI and computer vision. "It has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with images."
Current status and next developments:
The rollout of Nano Banana into search, Photos, and NotebookLM is expected to be completed soon. Users can expect to see a "Create" button at the bottom of the screen when accessing Lens or AI Mode. As the integration progresses, Google will continue to refine and improve the capabilities of its conversational image editing model.
In conclusion, Google's decision to integrate Nano Banana into search, Photos, and NotebookLM marks a significant step forward in the evolution of AI-powered image editing. As this technology becomes more accessible, it is likely to have far-reaching implications for society, enabling users to produce high-quality images without extensive technical knowledge.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
