Forget Nano Banana: Google Photos' REAL AI Upgrade is Here!

A few months ago, "Nano Banana" was the viral trick that showed us a glimpse of Google's new AI. It was a fun test of the Gemini Nano model's ability to "see" and find a specific fruit in our libraries.

But that was just the appetizer.

On Tuesday, Google announced that the real AI engine, officially known as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, is now fully integrated into Google Photos. This upgrade moves way beyond finding fruit. It now allows you to search your memories conversationally, create new art, and edit your photos with simple text commands.

Here are the most powerful new AI tricks you can try in Google Photos right now.

1. "Ask Photos": Search Your Memories Like a Conversation

This is perhaps the most game-changing feature for anyone with a massive photo library. Instead of just typing keywords like "dog" or "beach," you can now search conversationally, just like you would with Google Gemini.

The AI can understand context and intent to find specific memories.

• Try This: A search for "Eiffel Tower" will instantly pull up all your photos from that trip to Paris.

• Try This: Can't remember where you had a specific meal? Ask, "What city did I eat that great steak in?" and Photos will (presumably) find the photo and give you a clue. (ads)

2. AI Editing: The "Remove Evan's Hat" Trick

This is the most powerful new editing tool. You can now use natural language prompts to make complex edits, and Google Photos is smart enough to use your tagged friends' names.

The "Remove Evan's hat" example is the most crucial update:

• How it Works: If your friend Evan (who you've tagged in Google Photos) is wearing a hat, you can literally type, "Remove Evan's hat".

• The Magic: The AI won't just guess what's under the hat. It will use its knowledge from other photos of Evan in your library to realistically generate the rest of his head and hair.

This name-based editing is a massive leap forward because the AI in Google Photos knows the people in your life, something the web version of Gemini can't do. (ads)

3. Contextual AI: "Ask About This Photo"

If you're an "insatiably curious person," this feature is for you. While scrolling through your gallery, you can now use Google Gemini within Photos to learn more about what you're seeing.

• Try This: Stop on a photo from your zoo trip and ask, "Tell me more about that bear cub". Gemini will identify it and give you more information.

4. Creative Generation: Styles & Templates

Beyond editing, you can also create. You can use natural language prompts to completely change the style of a photo.

• Try This: Turn a selfie into a "Renaissance-style portrait" or an "action figure". (ads)

• Avoid Writer's Block: If you're not sure what to type, Google Photos will suggest templates for popular edits, like high-fashion photoshoots or detailed action figures, to help you create images instantly.

A Word of Warning: The "AI Slop" Is Still Real

While this technology is "breathtaking in its potential," it's still evolving. You will still spot the classic flaws of AI generation, so be mindful of "AI slop".

Look for things like:

• Unreadable text in the background.

• Familiar faces that look "unrecognizable and a little unsettling" after an edit.

• Other subtle errors you only notice when you squint.

Android vs. iPhone: Who Gets It First?

• Android Users: You're in luck. If you have an Android phone, you can start using these new AI features today.

• iPhone Users: You'll have to wait a bit. A new Google Photos app for iOS is "starting to roll out". This update will also include other AI features Android users got in June, like Reimagine and Autoframe. It's another example of Google pushing its AI features ahead of what's available in Apple's native Photos app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is "Nano Banana" the same as these new features?
A: No. "Nano Banana" was the viral search test for the Gemini Nano model. These new features are the full product, powered by the more advanced "Gemini 2.5 Flash Image" engine, which lets you edit, create, and search in new ways.

Q: Are these AI features free?
A: You can already use some of these AI tools on the free web version of Google Gemini, but this update integrates them directly into the Google Photos app for easier access.

Q: Why can't I see the "Remove Evan's hat" option?
A: The features are "starting to roll out" now. Android users will get them first. Make sure your Google Photos app is fully updated. iPhone users will need to wait for the new app version to be released.

Conclusion: Your Photo Gallery Is Now an AI Assistant

Google Photos is no longer just a place to store your pictures. It's an active, intelligent assistant that can find, edit, and create memories with you. The "Nano Banana" test was just a hint of what was to come. Now, the real AI-powered experience is here.

What's the first photo you're going to edit with AI?