Google wants to replace Street View. Nano Banana is coming to Maps

Google Maps has already gained Gemini functions, which make it easier for drivers, cyclists or pedestrians to navigate and search for different places without the need to manually enter text. However, this apparently turned out to be insufficient, and Google is preparing a rather unexpected new feature. The Android Authority portal reached the code of the Google Maps application in version v26.09.00.873668274 and found something surprising there – lines indicating the integration of the Nano Banana model with the Street View function.

Nano Banana is Gemini’s internal image generation and editing module. The model can not only create images from text descriptions, but also restore old photos, remove unwanted elements (such as fences) or completely change the interior design. Previously, Nano Banana was already available, among others, for Google Search, Photos, NotebookLM and Chrome. Now it is set to make its debut in Maps. The only question is – why?

According to Android Authority, the Maps code contains text strings suggesting a new function. One of them encourages:

Create images of your favorite places in a fun, new style.

The analysis of the entire code shows that users will be able to open Street View of any place, choose one of the available graphic styles and generate an artistic reinterpretation of a given street or building, and then immediately share it with friends.

At this point, it is difficult to indicate a real and sensible use of this function – apart from purely entertainment purposes. This won’t help much with navigation and sightseeing, but on the other hand, Nano Banana in Street View may attract the attention of those who like to brag about their travels – thanks to this function, they will be able to create a virtual card to post on social media.

The new feature is not active yet. The information comes from the analysis of the application’s installation file before its official release. Not all found functions are ultimately delivered to users, so it is difficult to predict whether Nano Banana will actually debut in Maps.

The same code also contains hints of minor changes: the map type selection panel will gain rounded corners and a drag handle, and the 3D layer will be renamed Raised buildings, which more accurately describes its actual operation, i.e. extruding flat images of buildings, rather than creating a full three-dimensional view.