AI & Enterprise

Google unveils faster, cheaper image generation model \'Nano Banana 2 Lite\'

Google has unveiled its image generation model \'Nano Banana 2 Lite\'. According to TechCrunch, the model is designed to be faster and lower-cost than the previous version. It generates an image in 4 seconds, and costs $0.034 per 1,000 images. Google said it suits tasks requiring large volumes quickly or repeated draft revisions. The company also expanded its generative media lineup and set video output pricing at $0.10 per second.

AI & Enterprise

China\'s budget AI models heat up global race

Interest in Chinese AI companies is returning after fading following the DeepSeek shock in January 2025, as more firms balk at the cost of deploying the latest U.S. models. Chinese models are presenting benchmark results that in some cases outpace OpenAI and Anthropic, while pricing well below Western rivals. Research rankings, growing use in the United States and rising valuations are drawing attention, though concerns remain over reliability, capacity and efficiency.