Hands-On With Nano Banana 2, the Latest Version of Google’s AI Image Generator
Google has just launched Nano Banana 2, an updated version of its AI image generator. It combines the capabilities of Google’s previous version, Nano Banana Pro, such as text rendering and web search, with faster image generation. This tool will be the new default for Google’s Gemini chatbot.
Google’s first image model under the name Nano Banana was discontinued last August and the Pro version arrived three months later. The AI tool has been widely adopted online to edit photos of real people, from generating personalized action figures to nostalgic images of people hugging younger versions of themselves.
Nano Banana 2 is not only faster at creating images, it’s also a more powerful photo editor. Despite some rough edges and unconvincing builds during my first hands-on experience through Gemini, Google’s latest release marks the continued improvement of photorealistic AI tools capable of manipulating existing images and serves as a stark reminder to always scrutinize unverified images you see online.
To start
If you want to try out the new picture template, the easiest way to access Nano Banana 2 is through the Gemini app or website. You can either click the banana emoji to generate images or simply send the request in your chatbot prompts. This new image template is also available through Google search tools, AI Studio, Cloud and other services.
Google says the Nano Banana 2 image generator pulls real-time information from the web, which can be useful for generating infographics. To test this, I asked Gemini to generate a personalized weather report for my next weekend getaway. Here is my prompt:
I’m going skiing at Dodge Ridge this weekend with some friends. Could you create an infographic covering weather conditions?
At first glance, the result seems correct. No wonky text or disfigured skiers in the background. The forecast for each day includes expected temperatures as well as wind and snow conditions. A small disclaimer at the bottom of the infographic reads: “Weather and conditions are subject to change. Check official sources.”
I’m glad I did! When I looked at the forecast for this weekend from a different source, I realized that Gemini had messed up the dates and pulled Google Weather context from last week. When I reported this error to the bot, it used Nano Banana 2 to replace the text from its first attempt with the correct weather data.
Bath time
If you want more details about my getaway, I’m heading to a cozy ski chalet with some skiing friends. I’m a newbie and still deciding whether to actually hit the slopes or just turn into a wrinkled prune sitting in the hot tub all day. Maybe Nano Banana 2 could create a stupid meme to send to the group chat? I uploaded a photo of myself to Gemini with this prompt:
Take this image and place me in a cozy outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow. Makes my skin comically wrinkled after sitting there for hours.
