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Google launches faster, cheaper image generator Nano Banana 2 Lite

TechCrunch AI12h ago4 min read
Google launches faster, cheaper image generator Nano Banana 2 Lite

Key takeaway

Google released Nano Banana 2 Lite, a faster and more affordable image generator that produces images in four seconds at $0.034 per 1,000 images, targeting developers and businesses that need rapid content creation. The company also expanded availability of Gemini Omni Flash for video generation, positioning these tools together to enable end-to-end multimedia workflows.

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3 Key Points

  • What happened

    Google released Nano Banana 2 Lite, a new image generation model that produces images in four seconds at a cost of $0.034 per 1,000 images. The company also announced a wider release of Gemini Omni Flash, which costs $0.10 per second of video output, and showed off a demo app called Omni Product Studio for creating e-commerce videos from static images.

  • Why it matters

    Nano Banana 2 Lite is designed for high-volume workflows requiring rapid iteration, making it relevant for businesses and developers who need to generate and refine large quantities of images quickly and affordably. The pairing of fast image generation with video creation tools allows developers to build end-to-end multimedia experiences, though Google's continued investment in generative media tools has drawn criticism from creative communities over concerns about AI-generated content.

  • What to watch

    Nano Banana 2 Lite is now available through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and Google's Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, replacing the earlier Nano Banana model. Gemini Omni Flash was initially introduced at Google I/O earlier this year and is now seeing wider release.

FAQ

How much does Nano Banana 2 Lite cost and how fast is it?
Nano Banana 2 Lite costs $0.034 per 1,000 images and produces images in four seconds. Gemini Omni Flash, the video generation tool, costs $0.10 per second of video output.
Where can I use Nano Banana 2 Lite?
Nano Banana 2 Lite is available through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and Google's Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform.
How does Nano Banana 2 Lite differ from the earlier Nano Banana?
Nano Banana 2 Lite is optimized for high-volume workflows requiring rapid output, while the earlier Nano Banana is now referred to as a legacy model. Google also offers Nano Banana 2, described as a generalist workhorse, and Nano Banana Pro for more advanced use cases.

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