Google’s Gemini app has received a significant update, introducing new features that expand its capabilities and improve user experience. This update, rolling out to both Android and iOS devices, includes Audio Overviews for document summaries and a new Canvas feature for document creation.
Audio Overviews: Turning Documents into Podcasts
The new Audio Overviews feature transforms written documents into engaging audio summaries. This tool is particularly useful for users who prefer auditory learning or need to quickly grasp the contents of a document while multitasking.
How Audio Overviews Work
When you upload a document or slideshow to the Gemini app, you can now select the “Generate Audio Overview” option. The app then processes the document and creates an audio file where two AI agents discuss the content in a podcast-style format. This approach offers a more dynamic and engaging way to consume information compared to traditional text-to-speech solutions.
Key benefits:
- Saves time by providing quick summaries of lengthy documents
- Offers an alternative learning method for auditory learners
- Allows for multitasking while absorbing document content
It’s important to note that the audio generation process may take a few minutes. Once complete, users receive a notification. Currently, the Gemini app doesn’t include a built-in audio player, so users need to either download the audio file to play it in their preferred media app or open it in a web browser.
Canvas: A New Tool for Document Creation
The Canvas feature introduces document creation capabilities directly within the Gemini app. This addition aims to streamline the process of generating and editing content using AI assistance.
Using Canvas in Gemini
To access Canvas, users can tap the newly redesigned ‘Plus’ menu in the app. The Canvas option appears alongside other input methods like Camera, Drive, Files, and Gallery.
Canvas functionalities:
- Create new documents with AI assistance
- Edit existing documents
- Generate code snippets
Unlike the web version of Canvas, the mobile app implementation doesn’t offer a split-screen layout. Users need to tap the ‘Open’ button to view their edits. The Canvas view provides options to undo/redo changes and share documents with others.
Redesigned ‘Plus’ Menu
To accommodate these new features, Google has revamped the ‘Plus’ menu in the Gemini app. The updated design now displays input options (Camera, Drive, Files, and Gallery) in a horizontal layout, with Canvas and Deep Research options positioned below.
The Deep Research option, previously requiring users to select the Gemini Advanced model, is now more readily accessible. This feature provides in-depth answers to complex queries without the need to switch AI models manually.
Implications for Productivity and Learning
These new features significantly expand Gemini’s utility as a productivity and learning tool. The Audio Overviews feature, in particular, opens up new possibilities for consuming information in various contexts, such as during commutes or while exercising.
The addition of Canvas brings Gemini closer to being a comprehensive content creation platform, allowing users to generate and edit documents directly within the AI environment. This integration of AI-assisted writing and editing tools could potentially streamline workflows for many users.
As Google continues to develop and refine Gemini, these updates demonstrate the company’s commitment to making AI tools more accessible and useful in everyday scenarios. Users can expect further improvements and new features as the platform evolves to meet the changing needs of its user base.