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👉 Google brings Nano Banana to Search, NotebookLM, and Photos

Google is enhancing its offerings by integrating the Nano Banana image editing model from Gemini 2.5 Flash into several products, including Google Search and NotebookLM, with plans to add it to Google Photos soon. Launched in August, Nano Banana has already facilitated the generation of over 5 billion images through creative applications within the Gemini app. This expansion aims to make advanced image editing capabilities more accessible to users across various platforms.

In Google Search, users can use the Lens feature to snap a photo or select one from their gallery and instantly enhance it with AI tools in the new Create mode. Meanwhile, in NotebookLM, Nano Banana enhances Video Overviews by introducing six new styles, including watercolor and anime, and generates contextual illustrations based on user sources. Additionally, it powers a new feature called Brief, designed for quick insights.

👉 Google enhances Veo 3.1 with new features

Google has announced significant updates to Veo, introducing Veo 3.1 and enhanced capabilities within its AI filmmaking tool, Flow. Since its initial release five months ago, Flow has generated over 275 million videos, and user feedback has prompted the development of new artistic controls, particularly regarding audio integration. With Veo 3.1, users can now incorporate richer audio into existing features, such as "Ingredients to Video," "Frames to Video," and "Extend," allowing for greater narrative control and more realistic audiovisual quality.

The updated Veo 3.1 focuses on improving creative processes by enabling users to craft their scenes with precision. New features include the ability to insert elements into scenes, remove unwanted objects seamlessly, and create longer, continuous video clips. Users can provide reference images to guide character and style choices, while enhanced editing tools allow for real-time adjustments to scenes. As the product evolves, Google emphasizes its commitment to iterating on user feedback to further refine and enhance the creative experience within Flow.

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👉 DirecTV wants to put you and your family into AI ads

DirecTV is set to launch an innovative AI-generated screensaver experience in collaboration with the AI company Glance, allowing users to see custom screensavers that include their likenesses, family members, or pets. This feature, designed for DirecTV Gemini devices, aims to transform the passive viewing experience into an interactive one by incorporating shoppable items alongside the AI-generated visuals. Rajat Wanchoo, the group vice president of commercial partnerships at Glance, emphasized the goal of creating a "ChatGPT moment" for users on television.

The new screensaver will replace the existing Google wallpapers on DirecTV devices when left idle for ten minutes. Users can upload their images via a QR code and interact with the screensaver by voice commands to customize their appearance. Glance uses a reverse image search to match AI-generated items with over one trillion SKUs, although no specific brands are directly promoted. If users decide to purchase an item, they will need to complete the transaction on their mobile devices. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating AI into advertising and consumer experiences, following similar trends seen with other companies like Amazon and TikTok.

👉 Spotify collaborates with major labels to develop responsible AI Music tools

Spotify has announced a partnership with major music labels, including Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe, to create “responsible AI products” within a newly established generative AI research lab. While specific products have not been outlined, the initiative aims to develop technologies that align with ethical principles and enhance experiences for both fans and artists. The collaboration signals a significant step in integrating AI into the music industry, emphasizing the need for responsible practices.

Spotify's approach focuses on several key principles, including establishing upfront agreements with artists and rights holders, ensuring voluntary participation in the use of generative music tools, and creating new revenue streams for creators. The platform also aims to maintain a clear distinction between AI-generated content and human artistry, promoting AI as a tool to foster creativity and deepen connections between artists and fans. This partnership reflects the company's commitment to navigating the complexities of AI in music while addressing the concerns of the artistic community.

👉 Kayak introduces AI Mode for travel search and booking experience

Kayak has launched an "AI Mode" feature on its website, enabling users to ask travel-related questions and compare options for flights, hotels, and rental cars through an integrated AI chatbot. This feature is designed to help users during the early stages of travel planning, allowing them to explore ideas and find the best deals without having a specific destination in mind. The AI Mode leverages ChatGPT technology to provide contextual results, making it easier for users to gather travel information and recommendations.

This rollout follows the earlier introduction of Kayak.ai, a testing platform that combined Kayak's data with OpenAI's capabilities to experiment with AI features. The new AI Mode retains the features available on Kayak.ai but is now fully integrated into the main Kayak website. Initially available in English in the United States, the feature is set to expand to additional countries and languages, with plans for voice-based requests in the future.

👉 Walmart partners with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT shopping feature

Walmart has announced a partnership with OpenAI to allow customers and Sam's Club members to shop directly through the ChatGPT platform, using the AI chatbot's Instant Checkout feature. This initiative is part of Walmart's broader strategy to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, which includes the use of generative AI tools like Sparky in its app for product suggestions and reviews. Following the announcement, Walmart's shares rose by 5%, reflecting investor optimism about the retailer's commitment to leveraging AI technology.

The collaboration with OpenAI comes as Walmart seeks to strengthen its competitive position against online rivals, particularly Amazon, which has already implemented its own generative AI shopping assistant, Rufus. Data from SimilarWeb indicates that referral traffic from ChatGPT to Walmart increased from 9.5% to 15% in September, although it still represents a small fraction of overall web traffic. This partnership aligns with OpenAI's recent collaborations with other e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Shopify.

👉 Pinterest has new controls to manage AI-Generated content in user feeds

Pinterest has launched new tools that allow users to limit the amount of AI-generated content, often referred to as “AI slop,” appearing in their feeds. In response to user complaints about the increasing prevalence of generative AI imagery, the platform now enables users to customize their feeds by restricting AI content in specific categories such as beauty, art, fashion, and home décor. The company also plans to enhance the visibility of its existing GenAI content labels to help users identify AI-generated material more easily.

The new controls can be found in the "Settings" menu under "Refine your recommendations," giving users the flexibility to modify their preferences at any time. Users can also provide feedback on AI imagery while browsing, allowing Pinterest to better understand community preferences. Matt Madrigal, Pinterest’s chief technology officer, emphasized the company's commitment to balancing human creativity with AI innovation, ensuring that users' feeds reflect their personal inspirations. The new features are being rolled out initially on the website and Android, with plans for an iOS release in the coming weeks.

Mars Petcare India has launched the ‘Pawsome Playlist’ on YouTube, featuring AI-generated videos with dog-themed music designed to engage pet owners and soothe their pets, particularly during the festive season. This initiative is part of a campaign for the Pedigree brand and reflects insights from a global partnership with Calm, a mental wellness company, which found that 88 percent of Indian pet parents believe their pets help reduce their own anxiety.

Ayesha Huda, Chief Marketing Officer at Mars Petcare India, emphasized the importance of addressing pets' anxiety during festive times. The curated playlist aims to provide relaxation and comfort for pets, fostering a deeper connection between pets and their owners. Huda noted that the initiative is a way to give back to pets, acknowledging the calm and comfort they provide daily.

_{Credits: Mars Petcare India}

AI magazine for creatives

The mahazine is your curated guide to mastering AI as a creative professional, with research, tools, and insider insights that help you shape the next wave of creativity.

Inside this issue:

✍️ Prompt mastery: Practical frameworks to turn your ideas into powerful AI outputs.

🖼️ JSON prompting: Structure prompts with precision for better results.

🎨 Midjourney deep dive: Parameters and tricks to bring more soul to your renders.

📸 Marketing tools: Standout content and AI-driven product shots that convert.

🔥 AI trend radar: The most innovative campaigns to keep you ahead of the curve.

🦜 Visual explorations: Experimental imagery on summer, outdoor culture, and more.

Limited printed copies available.

— The Mahazine Team