Last week, Google announced its September Gemini Drop, detailing everything users can look forward to from its popular AI model as we head into fall. The news comes just days after Google scored a major win over ChatGPT when its Gemini app stole the #1 spot as the most downloaded app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Google outlined all the updates headed for Gemini in company blog post, and there are three worth shouting out that’ll transform how you use Google’s AI. Here are the three biggest updates added with Google’s September Gemini drop, which are all expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
More powerful Gemini Live
By far, the upgrade everyone’s talking about the most is a powerful Nano Banana image editing model that uses advanced AI image editing capabilities to keep people (and pets) looking like themselves on any backdrop. These new tools offer users significantly greater control over the images they create and the stories they tell with each picture. You can use it to preview how that fresh coat of paint will transform your living room, drop yourself and your pet into fun new scenes, or even catch a glimpse of your future self.
Another standout feature is Gemini Live, which lets you use your phone’s camera to interact with the world. While this feature was already available, the latest update brings improved expressiveness and a sharper sense of “visual awareness” to the AI. For example, when you use your camera to ask a question in Gemini Live, the AI will now point out exactly what you should focus on to guide your attention. While this visual support isn’t yet available on all Android and iOS devices, Google says it will be rolling out soon.
Shareable Custom Gems
In March, all Google Gemini users got access to Gemini Gems for free, providing a more tailored chatbot experience without a subscription. Gems let you concoct custom GPT-style companions to break down fitness instructions, code programs, improve your writing, and more.
With this new update, you can now share the Custom Gems you’ve created in Gemini. You can also use the AI in Canvas to build an app “with no coding experience,” Google said. “Whether you’re planning a project or a party, everyone can now use the same AI expertise.” By that same token, visually editing any part of your web app is now as simple as clicking an element and describing the change for AI to do the rest.
Gemini in Chrome
Desktop users are eating good with this update as well. Google announced a significant update coming to Chrome, called “Gemini in Chrome,” aimed at improving the browsing experience with features like in-browser summaries, AI Overviews, and more.
“Soon, you’ll be able to ask for a quick summary, clarify concepts and find answers using the context of your open tabs,” Google said.
Gemini’s integration into Chrome rolled out to U.S. users starting on Thursday (September 18) and is available to both Mac and Windows desktop users with their language set to English. Google plans to expand Gemini in Chrome to businesses in the coming weeks via Google Workspace and also on mobile phones in the U.S. The tech giant’s also building deeper integration between Gemini in Chrome and other Google apps, such as Calendar, YouTube, and Maps.
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