Gemini gets a glow-up: New app, features, and a sneak peek at what’s next

While we’re all about that Pixel life, we can’t help but keep an eye on Google’s ever-evolving Gemini ecosystem. Over the past 24 hours, Gemini has been busy with some major updates, a few farewells, and even a sneak peek at what’s coming next. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the latest Gemini developments that are making waves across the tech world.

If you’re an iPhone or iPad user who’s been cozying up to Gemini through the Google app, it’s time to make a move. Google is officially pulling the plug on Gemini support in the main Google app for iOS, nudging users toward the standalone Gemini app instead.

For months, the Google app offered a handy switcher between Google Search and Gemini, but as Gemini grew up, it started feeling a little cramped in its shared home. Features like Gemini Live were missing, and Google decided it was time for Gemini to fly solo. Now, iOS users are receiving emails with a clear message: “Gemini is no longer available in the Google app.”

The full Gemini app, which launched in November, is now the go-to spot for all things Gemini. It’s packed with features and ready to deliver a smoother, more integrated experience. So, if you’re an iOS user, head to the App Store and download the Gemini app to keep the AI magic alive.

Gemini’s model lineup is getting a refresh, and it’s time to bid farewell to the 1.5 family. Google has officially removed Gemini 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash from the app and web, making way for the newer, faster, and more capable Gemini 2.0 Flash.

The 1.5 Pro model, which launched last May, was designed for tackling complex tasks, while 1.5 Flash (introduced in July) was your go-to for everyday help. But with Gemini 2.0 Flash now in the spotlight, Google has decided to streamline the experience.

Notably, Gemini 2.0 Flash isn’t just a replacement — it’s an upgrade. It outperforms 1.5 Pro across the board, from coding and reasoning to math and factuality, all while being twice as fast. Gemini Advanced subscribers get even more goodies, like a massive 1 million token context window (that’s up to 1,500 pages of text!) and access to Deep Research.

Interestingly, Google removed 1.5 Pro before rolling out 2.0 Pro, which is still in preview. But with 2.0 Flash already shining, it’s clear Google is betting big on speed and efficiency.

Now, let’s talk about the future. A recent APK teardown of the Google app (version 16.6.23) has uncovered hints of a potential video generation feature coming to Gemini. Code references to “videogen” and strings like “Working…” and “We will notify you when it’s ready” have sparked speculation that Gemini might soon let users create videos on the fly.

While details are scarce, this feature could align with Google’s existing video creation tool, Google Vids. Unlike generative AI systems, Google Vids helps users build videos step by step, from scripting to editing. If Gemini integrates similar capabilities, it could become a one-stop shop for all your creative needs.

Of course, this is still in the rumor phase, but the idea of generating videos directly within Gemini is undeniably exciting. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one.

Last but not least, Gemini’s file attachment UI is getting a makeover. Spotted in the latest Google app beta (version 16.6.23), the new design takes up more screen real estate and introduces two intriguing new options: Deep Research and Composer.

The updated layout features four buttons at the top for camera access, gallery selection, on-device files, and Google Drive uploads. Below that, the Deep Research tool (already available on Android) and the mysterious Composer option — described as a tool to “Write docs and Code” — are waiting in the wings.

While these new options are grayed out for now, they hint at a more robust and versatile Gemini experience. Whether you’re summarizing documents or drafting code, it looks like Gemini is gearing up to be your ultimate productivity sidekick.

From app transitions to model upgrades and sneak peeks at future features, Gemini is clearly on a roll. While these updates aren’t Pixel-exclusive, they’re a testament to Google’s commitment to making Gemini smarter, faster, and more user-friendly.

So, whether you’re an iOS user downloading the standalone app, a Gemini Advanced subscriber exploring 2.0 Flash, or just daydreaming about video generation, there’s plenty to look forward to. Stay tuned, because Gemini’s evolution is far from over!

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