Google has introduced two new features to its AI-powered Gemini platform, enhancing its capabilities as a collaborative tool for content creation and information processing. The additions include Canvas, an interactive workspace for document and code editing, and Audio Overview, which transforms documents into podcast-style discussions.
Canvas: A collaborative workspace
Canvas provides users with a dedicated space within Gemini where they can create, refine, and share written content and code. Available through the prompt bar in the Gemini app, it allows real-time editing of documents with AI assistance. Users can highlight sections of text and ask Gemini to make specific adjustments to tone, length, or formatting.
For developers, Canvas streamlines the coding process by enabling:
- Generation and real-time preview of HTML/React code and web app prototypes
- Interactive editing of code with immediate visual feedback
- Creation of working prototypes for applications, games, and simulations
The feature is designed to function as a unified environment for coding tasks, eliminating the need to switch between multiple applications. Completed projects can be exported to Google Docs with a single click for further collaboration.
Audio Overview: Documents as conversations
Originally a popular feature in Google’s NotebookLM, Audio Overview has now been integrated into Gemini. The tool converts documents, slides, and research reports into engaging podcast-style discussions between two AI hosts.
When users upload files to Gemini, they can select the Audio Overview option to generate an audio discussion that:
- Summarizes the key points from the material
- Presents the information in a conversational format
- Creates connections between different topics
This feature is particularly useful for digesting complex information while multitasking. The generated audio discussions can be downloaded or shared through the Gemini app.
Availability and rollout
Canvas is rolling out globally to all Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers in all languages where the app is available. Meanwhile, Audio Overview is initially available only in English, with more languages planned for future release.
These additions represent Google’s effort to transform Gemini from a simple chatbot into a comprehensive productivity suite, similar to recent moves by competitors like OpenAI with their own Canvas tool and Anthropic with Artifacts. The new features aim to make Gemini “an even more effective collaborator,” according to Dave Citron, Senior Director of Product Management for the Gemini app.