GOOGLE RELEASES NANO BANANA 2 LITE IMAGE GENERATOR

Google released Nano Banana 2 Lite on Tuesday, a new version of its in-house artificial intelligence image and video generator. According to Google, the model operates significantly faster and at lower cost than its predecessor. The system can produce images in approximately four seconds, and the company states this speed makes it suitable for users who need to create and refine multiple images in rapid succession. Google prices the service at $0.034 per 1,000 images generated.

Nano Banana 2 Lite follows Google's earlier releases in the series, beginning with the original Nano Banana, which was powered by Gemini 3.1 Flash and launched in summer 2023. Google released Nano Banana 2 in February, which the company says introduced enhanced capabilities including the ability to generate more realistic images. Google also offers Nano Banana Pro, described as a more powerful model designed for advanced use cases, though at higher cost than the Lite version.

The release reflects competition in the artificial intelligence image generation market, where multiple technology companies have introduced models with varying speeds and price points. Google's stated focus on speed and affordability with Nano Banana 2 Lite positions the tool for users prioritising rapid iteration and cost-effective production of visual content at scale. The company has not announced further planned releases in the Nano Banana series at this time.