This week marks 25 years since the launch of Google Images, the feature that brought the visual component to Google Search thanks to the flood of queries from users wanting to see the iconic green Versace dress Jennifer Lopez wore to the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony, which I'm sure you know (whether you were there, know the story, or recently watched Off Campus). To commemorate this anniversary, Google has introduced two new features related to visual search. The first is linked to the generative capabilities of AI Overviews, and the second is a new homepage for Google Images. Create Images in AI Overviews Google has integrated Nano Banana's capabilities into its AI Overviews to allow users to generate images directly in Search. Simply type the prompt indicating the image you want to generate into the search bar, and the AI ​​will create it along with a text description that incorporates additional queries to refine it. “This update transforms a simple text suggestion into a high-quality, personalized image, created entirely from scratch, seamlessly blending imagination with reality,” the tech company explains. The feature will begin rolling out in the coming weeks in English, for regions that already support image creation in AI Mode (Spain is not yet among them). Was this feature really necessary? Now, I ask, is it really necessary to bring generative AI to every user touchpoint? My short answer would be no. But, taking this opportunity, I'll elaborate a bit. Generative AI image tools are relatively recent compared to many other technologies, and yet we are already seeing how content created with them has begun to flood the internet. Being fully aware of both the potential usefulness of these AIs and the problems they pose for genuine artists (and that the former cannot match the value and quality of a work created by a real person), my point on this issue lies more in the danger of the potential for them to distort reality. For example, I can search for information about Victorian fashion and receive real documentation (such as images from the press of the time), along with designs created by professionals who have researched and trained in the subject. This cannot be compared to an AI-generated image that may contain inaccuracies due to licensing issues, design errors, or the mixing of references from other styles. Similarly, searching for an image of a cheetah and obtaining a real photograph will always be more accurate (anatomically, in terms of how its body actually moves, its location, etc.) than if the result is generated by Nano Banana, no matter how much its capabilities have advanced. It's likely that Google's intentions aren't focused on this, and what the tech giant is aiming for is for users to utilize this new feature for purposes related to bringing their ideas to life. The company itself stated, "Sometimes the perfect image is out there on the web, waiting to be discovered. But other times, you might have a very specific vision for which an image doesn't yet exist." In fact, the example they shared on their blog showed the result of the request "create an image comparing a small bathroom with dark green and butter yellow walls." The AI ​​Overview generated the image and added text with suggestions and questions to further refine the design if the user wished. This could easily have been done in the Gemini app, and in my opinion, it doesn't add much value to Search. I understand the point of wanting the public to experience AI features across the entire ecosystem, ultimately fostering a habit and a desire for its availability, but reflecting a bit on how this technology is evolving and where it's leading us is always worthwhile. New Google Images Homepage The second update announced by the tech giant is a new homepage for Google Images. This includes a dynamic and immersive gallery of images from across the web, updated in real time and personalized to your interests. “As you explore and save ideas to your collections, they’ll appear as tabs above the main gallery, allowing you to easily revisit what inspires you,” explains Google. This new page will begin rolling out to computers in the United States and in English over the next few weeks. You need to be signed in to your Google account to use it.