In this newsletter:

• Google launches Nano Banana 2 with faster image generation
• Perplexity launches Computer, a digital worker using multiple AI models
• Figma integrates OpenAI's Codex for a design-to-code workflow

Plus, you’ll find new AI tools and this week’s top AI news headlines!

🎨 Google Launches Nano Banana 2 With Faster Image Generation

Google released Nano Banana 2 (technically Gemini 3.1 Flash Image) with faster image creation than its predecessor while retaining the high-quality characteristics of Nano Banana Pro, becoming the default model across the Gemini app and Google Search.

What's new:

• Creates more realistic images faster than the previous Nano Banana model
• Generates images from 512px to 4K resolution in different aspect ratios
• Maintains character consistency for up to 5 characters in one workflow
• Handles fidelity of up to 14 objects for better storytelling
• Processes complex requests with detailed nuances for image generation
• Produces images with more vibrant lighting, richer textures, and sharper detail
• Became the default model for Fast, Thinking, and Pro modes in the Gemini app
• Now the default for Google Search results via Google Lens and AI Mode across 141 countries
• Set as default for Flow, Google's AI-powered video editing tool
• Available in preview through Gemini API, Gemini CLI, Vertex API, AI Studio, and Antigravity development tool

For paid subscribers:

• Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can still use Nano Banana Pro for specialized tasks by regenerating images via the three-dot menu
• Keeps access to the previous model for high-end, detailed work

Verification features:

• All images include a SynthID watermark to denote AI-generated content
• Images interoperable with C2PA Content Credentials (industry standard from Adobe, Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, Meta)
• SynthID verification in the Gemini app has been used over 20 million times since its November launch

Why it matters:

Google is standardizing faster AI image generation across its entire ecosystem, from search to video editing, making Nano Banana 2 the engine powering visual content creation for billions of users.

The move positions Google to compete with OpenAI's image generation while balancing speed and quality - keeping Pro version available for subscribers who need the highest fidelity while giving everyone else faster results that are good enough for most uses.

👀Read more about Google Nano Banana 2!

🤖 Perplexity Launches Computer, A Digital Worker That Uses Multiple AI Models to Complete Tasks

Perplexity released Computer, a system that breaks down complex projects into subtasks and runs them for hours or months using specialized AI models while you work on other things.

What's new:

• Available now to Perplexity Max subscribers, coming soon to Enterprise Max users
• Describe an outcome, and the computer breaks it into tasks and subtasks
• Creates sub-agents for execution, like web research, document generation, data processing, and API calls
• Work runs asynchronously, so you can focus elsewhere or run dozens of Computers in parallel
• When a computer hits a problem, it creates sub-agents to solve it
• Can find API keys, research information, and code apps when needed
• Checks in only when it truly needs you
• Each task runs in an isolated environment with a real filesystem, browser, and tool integrations

How it uses AI models:

• Opus 4.6 runs the core reasoning engine
• Gemini handles deep research and creates sub-agents
• Nano Banana generates images
• Veo 3.1 creates video
• Grok handles lightweight tasks quickly
• ChatGPT 5.2 manages long-context recall and wide search
• Model-agnostic system swaps models as better ones become available
• Users can choose specific models for specific subtasks

Why it matters:

Most AI products limit what advanced models can actually do by keeping them stuck in chat boxes, answering one question at a time.

Perplexity is solving this by letting AI models work together on entire projects that run for months, shifting AI from "answer my question" to "finish this project while I'm busy with other work."

👀 Read more about Perplexity's new digital worker!

🎨 Figma Integrates OpenAI's Codex for Designing and Coding in One Workflow

Figma is adding OpenAI's Codex to let users move between design and code without switching platforms, coming one week after integrating Anthropic's Claude Code.

What's new:

• Users can start working in Figma or code in Codex and move between platforms easily
• Integration uses Figma's MCP (Model Context Protocol) server
• Engineers can iterate visually without leaving their flow
• Designers can work closer to real implementation without becoming full-time coders
• Previously, users could only bring Figma design files, Figma Make, or FigJam details into Codex for code implementation

The context:

• OpenAI launched Codex as a command-line coding assistant last year to compete with Anthropic's Claude Code
• Later built a coding tool into ChatGPT
• Released a dedicated MacOS app for Codex earlier this month
• MacOS app downloaded 1 million times within the first week of release
• OpenAI released two new Codex models days after the MacOS app launch
• Over 1 million users use Codex weekly
• Figma was one of the first companies to launch an app on ChatGPT in October 2025

Why it matters:

Figma is hedging its bets by integrating both OpenAI's Codex and Anthropic's Claude Code within a week, letting teams pick which AI coding tool they prefer while keeping design and development in sync.

The integration eliminates the handoff friction between designers and engineers by letting both work in their preferred environment while staying connected to the same source of truth.

👀 Read more about Figma & OpenAI's Codex integration!

My Latest LinkedIn & X/Twitter Posts:

• How AI actually works explained step-by-step (view post)
• 10 free AI agents for product development and growth (view post)
• 28 AI terms explained simply for kids (view post)
• Top 10 free AI courses to upgrade your AI skills (view post)
• Harvard University’s 12 free AI courses with official links (view post)
• 15 ways to use voice AI in business (view post)
• How AI friends with memory are changing interaction (view post)
• 4-step process to master AI prompting (view post)
• ChatGPT vs Perplexity vs Grok vs Gemini: When to use each AI tool (view post)

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New AI Tools to Boost Your Productivity:

• ​Nayld: Runs tailored mock interviews and resume fit scoring.
• ​ImgEnhancer: Upscales and enhances images up to 8K.
• ​Superdirector: Finds viral ideas and drafts scripts and shot lists.
• ​Reve: Generates and edits images from text prompts.
• ​XeditAI: Drafts and refines structured content with AI.
• ​HeyVid: Converts text scripts into ready-to-publish videos.
• ​InceptionLabs: Commercial-grade diffusion language model.
• ​Flow: Creates cinematic videos with Google’s generative models.
• ​Genezio: Helps you understand, monitor, and optimize AI mentions for your brand.
• ​RemoveBgVideo: Removes video backgrounds automatically online.
• ​AirMusic: Generates royalty-free music from text prompts.
• ​ContentBeast: Grow targeted website traffic on autopilot.
• ​Perplexity Computer: Completes tasks and workflows across connected apps.
• ​X-Pilot: Turn text into accurate course videos
• ​IronClaw: Runs AI agents in encrypted enclaves to protect secrets.
• ​1ClickClaw: Deploy your personal AI assistant in one click.
• ​Connily: Plans, creates, schedules, and analyzes social media content.

This Week's Top AI News Headlines:

• Claude Expands Free Plan to Include 150+ App Connectors, Including Slack, Figma, and Asana for Cross-Platform Workflow Integration (View Article)
• Anthropic Announces Deprecation Timeline for Claude Opus 3, Urging Developers to Transition to Newer Models With Improved Performance and Capabilities (View Article)
• OpenAI Raises $110 Billion in One of the Largest Private Funding Rounds in History to Expand AI Infrastructure, Models, and Global Enterprise Reach (View Article)
• Prada and Meta Reportedly Team Up on AI Smart Glasses, Signaling Luxury Push for Next-Gen Wearables With Built-In AI Features (View Article)
• Mistral AI Signs Strategic Partnership With Accenture to Deliver Generative AI Solutions to Enterprise Clients Across Industries (View Article)
• Read AI, a Meeting Notes App, Launches Email-Based Digital Twin to Help Manage Schedules and Draft Replies Automatically (View Article)
• Google and OpenAI Employees Sign Open Letter Backing Anthropic’s Pentagon Contract, Highlighting Growing AI Workforce Divisions Over Defense Work (View Article)
• Nous Research, an Open-Source AI Group, Releases New Model Focused on Advanced Reasoning and Community-Led Development (View Article)
• Bumble Adds AI-Powered Photo Feedback and Profile Guidance Tools to Help Users Improve Matches and Optimize Dating Profiles (View Article)

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Have a wonderful week!

Andrew Bolis