Following the recent release of its new Gemini models, Google has unveiled two exciting features that enhance the functionality of its flagship AI product. Starting today, users can access the innovative Canvas feature and the upgraded Audio Overviews, both designed to streamline document creation and audio content generation.
The new Canvas feature allows users to draft, edit, and refine documents or code seamlessly. This feature can be accessed through the Gemini prompt bar on both web and mobile applications. With Canvas, users can simply upload a document and specify what they need to accomplish. For instance, in Google's demonstration, a user requested a speech based on a PDF containing class notes, and Gemini efficiently generated a relevant document.
What sets Canvas apart is its ability to allow users to refine AI-generated documents directly within the Gemini interface. Users have access to various writing tools available throughout the Google ecosystem, including options for suggested edits and different writing tones. For those looking to collaborate or make further edits, exporting the document to Google Docs can be done with just one click.
Canvas is not limited to document creation; it is also a powerful tool for coding. Users can prompt Canvas to generate prototype web apps, Python scripts, HTML, and much more. Additionally, users can inquire about the generated code, request modifications, and even preview results in real-time as changes are made, whether by the user or the AI.
While Audio Overviews is not a brand-new feature, having first appeared in Google's NotebookLM product last year, it has been further refined as part of the Gemini suite. This feature allows users to upload documents and have the AI synthesize the information to create a simulated conversation between two fictional hosts. Google describes this experience as akin to a podcast-style discussion, which aptly characterizes the output.
To use the Audio Overviews feature in Gemini, users need to upload a document and click on the Generate Audio Overview button located above the prompt bar. However, it's important to note that generating the audio can take several minutes, even for smaller texts. The integration of Audio Overviews with Deep Research, an AI-powered agent that can browse the Internet on the user's behalf, enhances the feature even further. Google has recently made Deep Research available for free for limited use, which means users can generate Audio Overviews from the reports generated by this tool.
Both the Canvas and Audio Overviews features are now globally available to all users, including those utilizing the free version of Google's AI offerings. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Audio Overviews feature currently only supports the English language, with plans for additional languages to be introduced in the future.
In conclusion, Google’s latest enhancements to the Gemini AI product, namely the Canvas feature and Audio Overviews, offer users innovative tools for document creation and audio content generation. These features not only improve the user experience but also showcase Google’s commitment to advancing AI technology for everyday applications.
