Google’s Gemini Nano Brings AI Image Creation to Search and Lens
Google is rolling out new AI image generation and editing capabilities directly within Google Search and Google Lens through its Gemini Nano model, marked with a distinctive banana emoji.
Key Takeaways
- New ‘Create Images’ option in Google Search AI Mode
- Google Lens gets dedicated ‘Create’ tab for AI selfies
- Currently rolling out to Android users in US
- All generated images feature Gemini watermark
AI-Powered Image Creation in Search
Within Google Search’s AI Mode, users will now find a new plus icon at the bottom-left of the prompt box. Tapping this reveals creative options including Gallery, Camera, and Create Images – the latter marked with a banana emoji.
Selecting Create Images changes the hint text to “Describe your image,” allowing users to generate visuals from scratch or upload existing images for AI-driven edits. Completed images can be downloaded or shared, each bearing a subtle Gemini spark watermark in the bottom-right corner.
Google Lens Gets Creative Upgrade
Google Lens is receiving a significant AI boost with a new Create tab designed specifically for image generation. Following recent additions like Search Live and the Homework filter, this new tab features interface tweaks with repositioned text labels to accommodate more filters.
The Create tab, marked by a banana emoji in the shutter button, encourages users to capture, create, and share. Unlike other filters, it opens directly to the front-facing camera for selfies, though a lens toggle remains available. After capturing a photo, users are redirected to AI Mode’s prompt box where they can describe desired transformations or styles.
Availability and Rollout
The Nano Banana experience in Search and Lens is currently rolling out on Android devices in the United States for accounts enrolled in the AI Mode Search Lab. Google states this update is part of its ongoing effort to unify generative AI capabilities across its ecosystem.
