Google has announced a range of new features and capabilities for its Gemini app, expanding the accessibility and utility of its artificial intelligence offerings for users worldwide.
Gemini Live, the app's real-time camera and screen sharing functionality, is now available for free on Android and iOS platforms. Users can point their smartphones at objects or share their screens and discuss tasks in real time without the need to type out queries.
According to Google, Gemini Live has prompted users to have conversations that are, on average, five times longer than those relying on text alone. Google stated, "People love Gemini Live. In fact, the conversations are five times longer than text-based conversations on average because it offers new ways to get help, whether it's troubleshooting a broken appliance or getting personalized shopping advice. That's why, starting today, we're making Gemini Live with camera and screen sharing available to everyone on Android and iOS for free."
In the coming weeks, Gemini Live will offer greater integration with other Google products and services. Google said, "Gemini Live will integrate more deeply into your daily life. Planning a night out with friends? Discuss the details in Gemini Live, and it instantly creates an event in your Google Calendar. Craving deep-dish pizza? Ask, and get the latest details from Google Maps. We're starting to integrate Google Maps, Calendar, Tasks and Keep, with more Google ecosystem connections planned. You can always manage these app connections and your information anytime in the app's settings."
Gemini now incorporates Imagen 4, Google's latest image generation model. Imagen 4 is designed to produce images with improved quality, text rendering, and speed. Google said, "Whether you're designing a sleek professional presentation, whipping up social media graphics or crafting event invitations, Imagen 4 delivers visuals that pop with lifelike detail and better text and typography outputs. Everyone can try Imagen 4 today in the Gemini app."
For AI-driven video creation, Google introduced Veo 3, describing it as a video generation model that includes native support for sound effects, ambient background noises, and dialogue. Google commented, "When it comes to making your ideas move, Veo 3 is in a league of its own. It lets you not just generate a video scene, but also the bustling city sounds, the subtle rustle of leaves or even character dialogue — all from simple text prompts. Veo 3 makes this possible with its native audio generation, creating truly immersive experiences unlike anything you've done before, and it's available today in the Gemini app for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S."
Deep Research, another feature within the Gemini platform, allows users to combine their own documents, such as PDFs and images, with public data for more comprehensive research reports. Google explained, "Starting today, you can get a complete, customized Deep Research report that combines public data with your own private PDFs and images. This means you'll get a holistic understanding, cross-referencing your unique knowledge with broader trends, all in one place, saving you time and revealing connections you might have otherwise missed."
Future plans include extending Deep Research functionality to allow examination of information stored on Google Drive and Gmail.
Gemini's Canvas component sees upgrades as well, with the 2.5 model now enabling users to create interactive infographics, quizzes, and audio overviews in 45 languages. The platform is also aimed at those needing code generation, with Google stating, "But the magic of 2.5 Pro is its ability to translate complex ideas into working code with remarkable speed and precision. People are rapidly bringing entire applications to life from simple descriptions. Vibe coding like this dramatically lowers the barrier to creating software and makes prototyping new ideas faster than ever before."
Gemini will soon be available within the Chrome browser for Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers whose desktop language is English on Windows and macOS. The initial version will allow the Gemini assistant to clarify or summarise webpage content. Google noted, "In the future, Gemini will be able to work across multiple tabs and navigate websites on your behalf."
On the education front, Gemini is launching interactive quizzes, designed to foster more engaging study sessions. Google said, "Gemini is transforming how you study with the launch of interactive quizzes designed to make learning more engaging. For example, simply ask Gemini to 'create a practice quiz on thermodynamics' and then dive into a tailored learning experience. As you answer, Gemini provides instant feedback, highlighting topics that need more attention. Once you're done, Gemini proactively offers a personalized follow-up quiz, focused on the areas you found challenging, helping you turn weaknesses into strengths."
All users can access this feature globally. Additionally, college students in the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, and the United Kingdom are eligible for a free upgrade to the Gemini suite for a full academic year, with plans to expand to more countries in the future.
Google has introduced two new paid subscription plans for its AI services: Google AI Pro at USD $19.99 per month and Google AI Ultra at USD $249.99 per month. The Pro plan replaces and expands upon Gemini Advanced, while granting users access to a broader range of AI tools, including Flow and NotebookLM, as well as higher rate limits.
The Ultra plan is intended for users who require the highest rate limits and early access to features, such as Veo 3 and the forthcoming 2.5 Pro Deep Think mode. Google explained, "With Google Al Pro you'll get a suite of Al tools for $19.99/month. This Pro plan will level up your Gemini app experience, and replace and expand on Gemini Advanced. It also includes products like Flow, NotebookLM and more, all with special features and higher rate limits. Then there's the Google AI Ultra plan. It'll give you access to our most powerful models with the highest rate limits, and early access to our most exciting experimental Al products before anyone else. You can think of the Ultra plan as your VIP pass to Google Al. For example, for our Gemini app power users, you'll get the highest level of access with the Ultra plan — with exclusive features and access to the best models first, including Veo3 and the upcoming 2.5 Pro Deep Think mode when it launches. When you upgrade Gemini to the Ultra plan, you'll also get early access to Agent Mode, a new experimental capability arriving on desktop soon. Imagine simply stating your objective, and Gemini intelligently orchestrates the steps to achieve it. Agent Mode seamlessly combines advanced features like live web browsing, in-depth research and smart integrations with your Google apps, empowering it to manage complex, multi-step tasks from start to finish with minimal oversight from you."
Google AI Ultra is available in the United States, with additional countries to be added. A promotional discount of 50 percent off for the first three months is offered to first-time users.
The company stated, "All these updates are driven by our vision to make Gemini the most personal, proactive and powerful AI assistant on the planet. We look forward to seeing what you do with it."
