Google announced Nano Banana 2 Lite, a new version of its AI image generator, on Tuesday. The model is faster and more affordable than its predecessor, with a latency that allows for quick image production. Google claims the model is ideal for high-volume workflows, as it can generate images in 4 seconds. The cost is $0.034 per 1,000 images, making it a cost-effective option for users needing to create and refine content at scale. Google said Nano Banana 2 Lite is optimized for rapid image generation, serving as a replacement for the previous Nano Banana model, which the company now calls its 'legacy model.'
The release follows the launch of the original Nano Banana, powered by Gemini 3.1 Flash, last summer, and the February release of Nano Banana 2, which added the ability to generate more realistic images. Google also offers Nano Banana Pro, a more powerful and expensive model for advanced use cases. While Nano Banana 2 is described as a 'generalist workhorse,' Banana 2 Lite is tailored for high-speed, high-volume workflows. The company emphasized that the new model is available through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform.
Google's continued investment in AI tools reflects broader industry trends, despite consumer concerns over AI-generated content. The company markets its models as convenient tools for content creation, though its partnerships with Hollywood studios, such as the $75 million deal with A24, have drawn criticism from some creative communities. Google also announced a wider release of Gemini Omni Flash, which costs $0.10 per second of video output, and showcased a new demo app, Omni Product Studio, that transforms static images into cinematic e-commerce videos.
Source: techcrunch
