Google's Gemini Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

‘Video Remix’ in Google Photos reimagines reality into your ideal scenario

Google Photos has introduced a new feature called "Video Remix," which allows users to enhance their videos by adjusting lighting, applying different themes, and exploring various styles. This feature builds on the Remix option that was first introduced in 2025 for transforming photos. The rollout of Video Remix was announced on July 8 and utilizes Google's Gemini Omni model to facilitate user editing prompts. It also includes quick sharing functionality for spontaneous creativity. Previously, the Remix feature was limited to images, enabling users to transform photos into themed scenes. Additionally, the feature has been integrated into Google TV, allowing users to create dynamic slideshows from their stored photos.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

Android Halo puts AI agents in your status bar

Google has introduced Android Halo, an interface layer for Android 17 that keeps an AI agent visible in the status bar while it operates in the background. This feature was first mentioned at Google I/O in May 2026 and detailed by Android president Sameer Samat in a July YouTube video. Android Halo allows users to monitor the AI agent's task progress, receive clarifying questions, and view results without switching applications. The agent operates in a secure, containerized environment, limiting its access to user-provided information only. Android Halo is designed to work with Google's Gemini and can also integrate third-party agents that meet specific requirements, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act. Android 17 is expected to launch in August 2026 alongside the Pixel 11, which will be the first device to feature Halo. The availability of Halo on other devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S25+, is uncertain, and no pre-order windows for hardware with Halo have been announced in the US and UK.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Android Auto gets a fresh take on Google Maps navigation, teases more Gemini at the Android Show

The Android Show 2026 has introduced significant enhancements for Android Auto, including an edge-to-edge experience for Google Maps and a new Immersive Navigation update featuring a dynamic 3D view. A comprehensive Material 3 Expressive redesign for the vehicle operating system has been announced, improving the user interface. Popular music streaming services like YouTube Music and Spotify will also receive visual updates. Gemini Intelligence will be integrated into vehicles, assisting drivers with text messages and allowing them to order food through DoorDash. Vehicles with Google built-in will receive the same updates, including video-to-audio transitions and Immersive Navigation enhancements. The rollout of Gemini is currently underway for cars with Google built-in technology.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

Google’s Big Bet: Adding Native Android App Support to Chrome Could Result in a Robust OS

Google is merging Android and ChromeOS into a unified operating system called Aluminum OS. This platform will leverage the capabilities of the Chrome browser while integrating with Android, allowing it to extend beyond mobile devices. Aluminum OS is expected to enhance user experience by supporting native Android apps within the Chrome browser. A private issue ticket revealed a video showcasing Aluminum OS's desktop view, which resembles Android's current desktop interface and includes an extensions icon. Artificial intelligence, likely powered by Google's Gemini technology, is anticipated to play a significant role in Aluminum OS. Google I/O 2026 may serve as the platform's official introduction, with hardware partners like Lenovo and Samsung expected to be showcased. Unlike ChromeOS, which already has the Google Play Store, Aluminum OS is built on Android, providing native app support and a comprehensive desktop browsing experience. This positions it as a more powerful iteration of Android, aiming to create a cohesive software experience across laptops and phones.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Gemini can now generate PDFs, Word, and Excel files so you don’t have to

Google's Gemini now allows users to create and download files directly within chat conversations, including PDFs, Microsoft Word and Excel files, and Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Users can generate files in various formats instantly without needing to copy and paste content. Supported formats include Docs, Sheets, Slides, PDF, DOCX, XLSX, CSV, TXT, RTF, and Markdown. While users can export work to Google Slides and download it as a PPT file, direct export to Microsoft PowerPoint is currently unavailable. This feature is rolling out to all Gemini users, though some may experience a gradual implementation.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

You’ll soon be able to use Google Meet’s note-taking tool during in-person meetings

Google Meet's AI-powered note-taking feature, "Take Notes For Me," launched in 2024, has gained over 110 million users in a month. It will soon be available for various meeting types, including in-person and on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The feature provides comprehensive summaries and detailed notes, accessible via the Google Meet home screen. It compiles notes and action items into a Google Doc. Google will announce this expansion at Cloud Next ‘26, which runs until April 24, along with other features.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Easy as pie: Google’s Gemini uses your memories for AI photos that feel personal

A personalization upgrade for Google's Gemini has been rolled out, enhancing its image generation capabilities through Personal Intelligence and the Nano Banana 2. Users can request personalized photos using simple prompts, as the AI analyzes their photo library and video archives. This feature will be available soon for subscribers of the AI Pro, Plus, and Ultra tiers. By connecting the Photos app to Personal Intelligence, users can enable the AI to create tailored images based on actual memories. Nano Banana 2, launched in February, has improved speed and precision, offering generated content in resolutions from 512px to 4K.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Samsung replaces Messages app with Google’s. What does this mean?

Samsung is discontinuing its Samsung Messages application and transitioning users to Google Messages by July. Users are encouraged to switch themselves for a smoother transition, with advantages including enhanced AI capabilities, multi-device connectivity, and RCS Messaging. The exact date for the discontinuation has yet to be provided. Users will receive in-app notifications to guide them through the transition, or they can manually download Google Messages and set it as their default SMS app. Samsung Messages will not be available for download on new devices, including the Galaxy S26. Users with Android 12 or 13 will need to manually add the Google Messages icon to their home screen dock after switching. Those with devices released prior to 2022 may experience temporary disruptions in RCS conversations. Messaging support will also cease for older generation smartwatches running Tizen OS, specifically those launched before the Galaxy Watch4.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Google’s Gemini for Home is finally useful enough to not drive you crazy

Google is updating its Gemini-powered home assistant to enhance user experience by providing concise responses and executing common commands up to 40% faster. Users will now receive straightforward confirmations for actions like setting alarms. The assistant can set timers based on real-world events and chain multiple commands while providing updates on timers. Gemini now supports 30 languages, enabling real-time translation for smoother conversations. The Google Home app includes new automation tools for triggering actions based on conditions and creating personalized routines. New AI features like “Help me create” and “Ask Home” simplify automation processes. Google is expanding access to these features to 14 additional countries, including Canada, which now has full support. Some features require a Google Home Premium subscription, and users may experience delays in receiving updates.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Google will now show which AI models are best at building Android apps

Google has introduced Android Bench, a tool for assessing AI model performance in Android app development. The top performer is Gemini 3.1 Pro, scoring 72.2%, followed by Claude Opus 4.6 at 66.6% and GPT 5.2 Codex at 62.5%. The benchmark evaluates models through real-world Android coding challenges with task completion rates between 16% and 72%. Google aims to facilitate the creation of Android applications from user prompts and has made the benchmark's methodology and tools available on GitHub.