Gemini gets Canvas and Audio Overview features in the latest update


Google on Tuesday introduced enhanced features for Gemini, aimed at promoting effective collaboration and creativity. The updates bring two new tools: Canvas and Audio Overview, designed to elevate user experiences with document creation, coding, and audio-based learning.

Canvas for Easy Collaboration

Canvas, a new feature in Gemini, serves as an interactive space where users can create, refine, and collaborate on their work seamlessly. By selecting ‘Canvas’ in the prompt bar, users can edit and update documents or code with real-time changes visible instantly. This space helps in generating polished drafts, improving tones, adjusting lengths, and refining formatting with ease.

Gemini’s AI offers tailored suggestions to enhance sections, such as making a paragraph more concise or adjusting the style to be more professional or informal. For users working on speeches, essays, blog posts, or reports, Canvas becomes a valuable ally in maximizing creative output. Additionally, it provides a one-click export option to Google Docs, enabling smooth collaboration with others.

Coding Made Easy with Canvas
Canvas also simplifies programming tasks by supporting the creation of web apps, Python scripts, games, and interactive simulations. Developers can preview their HTML/React code and other prototypes, gaining real-time visual representations of designs.
For example, users can design an email subscription form, adjust input fields, or add call-to-action buttons while reviewing live updates. Canvas ensures a hassle-free coding process by centralizing coding, editing, and sharing tasks in a single application.
Audio Overview for Engaging Summaries

Another significant update is Audio Overview, which transforms documents, slides, and research reports into podcast-style audio discussions. Dave Citron, Senior Director of Product Management for Gemini, highlighted that Audio Overview has generated significant enthusiasm in NotebookLM and is now being rolled out in Gemini.

Learning on the Go with Audio Overview

Audio Overview creates lively audio conversations between AI hosts, providing dynamic summaries, highlighting connections between topics, and offering fresh perspectives on uploaded files. Users can transform class notes, research papers, or lengthy email threads into engaging audio content to stay informed while multitasking. The feature is accessible via a suggestion chip above the prompt bar, making it easy to listen on the go.

Availability
  • Canvas is now globally available for Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers in all supported languages.
  • Audio Overview is currently rolling out to the same subscriber groups in English, with additional languages expected soon. It is accessible both on the web and the Gemini mobile app, with options for downloading or sharing content.

You can try these features and more at gemini.google.com.