Google Images is turning 25. Google first launched its image search tool back in 2001, reportedly in response to users looking for Jennifer Lopez’s green Versace dress. The internet has changed dramatically in the two-and-a-half decades since, but Google Images has remained ever-present. While it might not be as essential to Google’s product lineup as it once was, it’s still a useful means of finding specific images (including memes) across the internet.
To mark Google Images’ 25th anniversary, the company is rolling out two new features on the service: one for Images, and one for Search. In my view, the latter actually seems useful, assuming you’re not locked in to Pinterest for all your inspo-needs.
Google Images wants to be Pinterest
Credit: Google
You are probably familiar with the Google Images home page: It basically looks just like the Google Search page, but with a small “Images” identifier to let you know you’re searching specifically for pictures. This has been the core design of Google Images since its inception, but after 25 years, Google is making a big change here.
Starting today, Google is launching a “browseable” home page for Google Images. When you visit the new site, you’ll see a “dynamic, immersive gallery” pulled from pictures across the internet. These images shouldn’t be random: Google says the pictures that appear in the gallery are based on your interests.
Any time you see an image you like, you can add it to a “collection.” Google has some ideas in its press release, including “Travel,” “Reading nook,” “Supper party inspo,” and “Outfits for vacation.” While the feature isn’t rolling out for a few weeks (on desktop and in English, to start), it does appear that Google is trying to make Images into a Pinterest alternative. We’ll have to see how the feature compares once it officially rolls out.
What do you think so far?
Google Search is now an AI image generator
While other companies might have beaten Google to the market with AI image generators, the company is having the last laugh. Google’s Nano Banana model has exploded, and is perhaps now the most accessible way to generate hyperrealistic images with AI—especially if you already use Google products.
As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the company is turning Search into an AI image generator. While you can still search for images on the web, you can also enter text-based prompts into Google Images, and the site will use Nano Banana to generate your request for you. To be clear, it doesn’t seem like Google Images itself is getting these capabilities; rather, you can type your query into Search, which activates AI Overviews to generate your image. The company seems to be using Google Images’ anniversary to launch this new integration.
