According to Digital Trends, evidence from a recent APK teardown suggests Google is testing a built-in Nano Banana option directly inside the Google Search app’s AI mode. Android Authority spotted a new “Create images” option under the plus icon in the Google app’s search bar. Instead of switching to a separate tool, users could soon generate creative AI images with Nano Banana by simply using the search bar. This integration would enable one-tap image creation without leaving search, perfect for posters, memes, or visual ideas on the fly. The feature leverages Nano Banana Pro’s capabilities, allowing blending of text, images, and real-world context like weather data through its tie-in with Google’s Gemini.
Search gets creative
This is actually a pretty smart move by Google. Think about it – how many times have you searched for something and thought, “I wish I could just make a quick visual for this”? Now you might not need to jump between apps. The combination of Circle to Search’s improved follow-up answers with built-in image generation could genuinely transform how we use search. It’s not just about finding information anymore – it’s about creating content right there in the moment.
Competitive landscape
Here’s where things get interesting. This directly challenges standalone AI image tools and even other search engines. Microsoft has been pushing AI features in Bing, but embedding full image creation right in search? That’s a different level of integration. For creators and casual users alike, having this capability baked into something you already use daily could be a game-changer. But I wonder – will this make search too cluttered? Sometimes simplicity wins, and Google‘s strength has always been its clean, fast search experience.
Google’s AI ambitions
Look, this isn’t just about search. Nano Banana is clearly spreading across Google’s entire ecosystem – from Nano Banana Pro’s recent upgrades to integrations in NotebookLM and even Google Messages. As one industry observer noted, image generation is becoming a built-in feature across Google’s tools. Basically, Google wants AI creation to be as accessible as searching for something. The question is whether users actually want this level of AI integration or if it’s solving a problem that doesn’t really exist for most people.
What this means for you
If you’re already using AI image tools, this could save you time and app-switching. For everyone else? It might introduce you to AI creation in a way that feels natural rather than intimidating. The real test will be how well it works in practice. Will the images be high-quality enough for actual use? Will it handle complex prompts? And most importantly – will it feel like a helpful addition or just another feature you ignore? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: Google is betting big on making AI creation part of our everyday digital toolkit.
