Google is supercharging its ecosystem with Nano Banana, the AI image editing model that's already generated over 5 billion images since August. The company just announced it's expanding the popular feature from Gemini to Search, NotebookLM, and soon Google Photos - putting advanced AI creativity tools directly into the hands of billions of users across its most-used products.
Google just made its biggest AI imaging play yet. The tech giant is rolling out Nano Banana, its breakthrough image editing model, across three of its most popular products - and the timing couldn't be more strategic.
The expansion comes on the heels of explosive user adoption. Since launching in Gemini this August, Nano Banana has generated more than 5 billion images, according to Google's latest blog post. That's roughly one image for every person on the planet, showcasing just how hungry users are for accessible AI creativity tools.
The rollout starts with Google Search, where users can now tap into Nano Banana through a new Create mode in Google Lens. "Just open Lens in the Google app for Android or iOS and tap the new Create mode to get started," explains Naina Raisinghani, Product Manager at Google DeepMind. Users can snap a photo or pull one from their gallery and watch AI transform it instantly.
This isn't just about fun filters - it's Google embedding advanced generative AI directly into its search experience. The move puts Google in direct competition with standalone AI image tools like Midjourney and DALL-E, but with the massive advantage of Search's billion-plus daily users already in the ecosystem.
NotebookLM is getting an even more substantial upgrade. Nano Banana now powers the platform's Video Overviews with six new visual styles including watercolor and anime aesthetics. More importantly, it generates contextual illustrations based on users' source materials and introduces a new "Brief" format for quick insights.
The NotebookLM integration reveals Google's broader strategy - this isn't just about making pretty pictures. It's about weaving visual AI into productivity workflows where professionals and students are already spending their time. By generating illustrations that match research content, Google is making complex information more digestible and shareable.
Google Photos represents the final piece of the puzzle, though the company is staying tight-lipped about specifics. "In the weeks ahead, we'll also bring Nano Banana to Google Photos," the announcement teased. Given Photos' massive user base and existing Magic Eraser features, this integration could be the most impactful of all.
