AI NewsGoogle introduces a faster, cheaper image generator with Nano Banana 2 Lite

Google introduces a faster, cheaper image generator with Nano Banana 2 Lite

4:18 AM IST · July 1, 2026

Google on TuesdayreleasedNano Banana 2 Lite, the newest version of its in-house AI video and image generator. This version is significantly faster and more affordable than its previous release, the company claims. The model has much lower latency and can produce images in four seconds, which makes it a good option if you need to workshop images and produce a large number of them in quick succession, Google says. It costs $0.034 per 1,000 images, which makes it quite affordable for people looking to draft and perfect their content at scale. The release follows last summer’s launch of the original Nano Banana, powered by Gemini 3.1 Flash, and the February release ofNano Banana 2. The latter introduced new powers for the generator, including the ability to create more realistic images. The company also offers Nano Banana Pro, which is described as a more powerful (and more expensive) model for advanced use cases. While Nano Banana 2 is referred to as a “generalist workhorse,” Banana 2 Lite is optimized for high-volume workflows that need to occur at a rapid pace, Google claims. Despite consumer backlash overso-called AI slopcreated by image models, companies continue toinvest heavilyin AI tools that can generate imagery and videos. However, Google often markets its models as convenient tools that can assist with the creation of advertisements. That said, the ties between Hollywood and AI companies continue to tighten — much to the consternation of some creative communities and audiences. Indeed, Googlejust struck a $75 million dealwith the much-beloved indie studio A24 — a partnership that has sufferedsignificantcriticismfrom fans. Nano Banana 2 Lite is now available through Google AI Studio and the Gemini API, as well as Google’s Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform. Google says it serves as a replacement for Nano Banana, which the company now refers to as its “legacy model.” Also on Tuesday, Google announced a wider release of Gemini Omni Flash, which wasinitially introducedat Google I/O earlier this year. Flash costs $0.10 per second of video output. Plus, Google showed off a new demo app, Omni Product Studio, which it says can take static images generated by Omni and transform them into “cinematic e-commerce videos.” “Building with generative media is often about creative iteration,” the company saidin a blog. “With these two models, developers can build comprehensive, end-to-end multimedia experiences that connect rapid image generation with video creation and editing.”