Google adds voice writing and summarization to Gemini

(CLO) Google continues to expand the capabilities of AI chatbot Gemini by adding two new features: Canvas - an interactive workspace for writing and programming, along with Audio Overview - a voice content summary tool.

Gemini's Canvas feature allows users to compose, edit, and share content right within the app. Canvas can be seen as Google's answer to ChatGPT (OpenAI) Canvas and Anthropic's Artifacts, as they all aim to turn AI chatbots into comprehensive work support tools instead of just text assistants.

Programming with the new CANVAS feature on Gemini. Photo: Google

“Canvas is designed to help users work seamlessly with Gemini,” said Dave Citron, Gemini’s product manager. “These features make Gemini a more effective partner in bringing ideas to life.”

Gemini Canvas can be opened directly from the input bar on the Gemini app (both web and mobile). In addition to writing, Canvas also supports programming, allowing you to create and preview HTML, React code, and web app prototypes right in the workspace.

“For example, if you want to create an email signup form for your website, you can ask Gemini to generate the HTML for the form, then preview how it looks and works,” Citron explains.

Along with Canvas, Google is also bringing the Audio Overview feature from NotebookLM to Gemini, which can create podcast-like voice summaries for documents, web pages, and many other content sources.

When a user uploads a document, Gemini automatically generates an audio summary, which can be downloaded or shared right from the app.

Canvas and Audio Overview are now free to all Gemini users globally. Code preview in Canvas is currently only available on the web version. Audio Overview is currently only available in English.

Google is racing with OpenAI and Anthropic to turn AI chatbots into real work tools, rather than just smart chat tools. With AI growing in popularity in content creation and programming, Gemini's new features promise to help users leverage AI as a true partner rather than simply providing text answers.

Cao Phong (according to Google, TC, CNET)