Google announced that the Gemini app surpassed one billion monthly users in August 2026.
Hardware and software updates
The company revealed new hardware designed to run Gemini intelligence at the Made by Google 2026 event. This includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Each device features the Google Tensor G6 chip and upgraded cameras. The hardware also supports the Gemini Nano model.
Developers gained access to Gemini 3.7 Flash three weeks after the previous version launched. This model is priced at half the cost per million tokens compared to Gemini 3.6 Flash. It targets coding, software engineering, and web development workflows.
Google rolled out Gemini to Chrome on Android. The company also expanded Google Workspace and Gemini Live with hands-free voice tools. These updates allow users to manage tasks without touching the device.
Education and search features
Eligible college students received one year of a Google AI plan free of charge. The offer included new study tools and a dedicated student hub. Teachers gained access to new tools and SAT preparation features within Gemini.
Search added AI-powered learning features. Users can view interactive visuals for complex concepts. The system generates practice quizzes for exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, and LSAT. Lens provides step-by-step guidance, while notebooks help users stay organised.
Creative and scientific tools
Google released Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash for video generation. The tool offers scene extension, first-and-last-frame interpolation, and crisp 4K upscaling. It is available in Google Flow, Google AI Studio, the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, and the Gemini app.
Developers can now access Gemini 3.5 Transcribe. This model converts raw audio into accurate text. It handles noise and jargon better than conventional speech-to-text systems. The tool supports voice agents, live captioning, and post-call analytics.
WeatherNext 2 is now open source. Researchers published a paper in Nature showing the model predicts cyclone track, intensity, and wind structure with high accuracy. The release aims to help build global climate resilience.
Google partnered with the UK Government and aviation leaders on Operation Blue Skies. The project uses AI forecasts to help flight crews avoid forming contrails. This initiative targets the North Atlantic to reduce aviation’s climate impact.
Gemma expansion
Gemma has reached over one billion downloads. The model runs on phones and edge infrastructure, including environments in space and underwater. A new community repository allows users to share and discover applications built with Gemma.
Usage statistics
More than 1 billion people use the Gemini app each month. Sixty-three percent of users talk directly to the assistant. Forty-three percent of busy parents use it for everyday tasks. The app generates over 150 million images daily. Small businesses rely on the tool for marketing materials.
What it means
Users gain access to faster, cheaper models for work and coding. Students receive free AI tools to assist with their studies. The hardware updates ensure these features run locally on phones. The open-source models allow researchers and developers to build custom solutions without cloud dependency.
