Google enhances Gemini with Imagen 3 rollout, redesigned homescreen, and Chromecast Home Panel integration
Google has rolled out significant updates for Gemini users and those with Chromecast, bringing advanced features and a refined user experience. This includes the global availability of Imagen 3 for generating high-quality images, a streamlined Gemini homescreen redesign on Android, and the introduction of a Home Panel on Chromecast with Google TV through the Public Preview program.
Imagen 3 Now Available for All Gemini Users
As of late August, Google has enabled all Gemini users to generate images using the powerful Imagen 3 model. Imagen 3 was first unveiled at the Google I/O 2024 event in May and offers users three key features:
- Stunning image quality: Expect crisp details, vibrant colors, and fewer imperfections.
- Lifelike visuals: The generated images stand out with vivid, photorealistic elements.
- Diverse styles: Users can choose from various artistic styles, from classic oil paintings to modern digital illustrations.
To create an image, users can start prompts with phrases like “draw,” “generate,” or “create” and specify the style they want (e.g., “photorealistic watercolor painting” or “cartoon illustration”). Gemini confirms this by showing “Creating your image with Imagen 3” during the process. Once complete, the images can be downloaded with SynthID watermarking applied for authenticity.
Initially available only to Gemini Advanced, Business, and Enterprise users, the Imagen 3 feature is now accessible globally to all Gemini users, including those with free accounts. However, free accounts do not currently support generating images of people.
Redesigned Gemini Homescreen on Android
Google has also rolled out a significant redesign of the Gemini app for Android, simplifying the home screen for a more user-friendly experience.
The previous layout, which featured the “Gemini” or “Gemini Advanced” logo, a suggestions carousel, and a “Chats & Gems” section, has been replaced by a cleaner interface. Now, users are greeted with a simple “Hello, [name]” and a chat bubble icon in the top-left corner for easy access to conversation history. This design also extends to the Gemini web app.
The central text field, which is used to display a larger prompt (“Type, talk, or share a photo to Gemini Advanced”), is now more compact, allowing users to type, speak, or share photos in a single streamlined input field. The ‘plus’ icon remains for uploading files, while the Gemini Live feature stays in the corner, complete with an animated waveform. When expanded, the interface temporarily reverts to the previous design, adding a touch of familiarity.
This homescreen redesign first began appearing in late September and is now widely available to all Gemini users on Android. However, iOS users must wait a bit longer for this update.
Home Panel Comes to Chromecast with Google TV via Public Preview
In another notable update, Google is expanding its Home Panel feature, first introduced on Google TV Streamers, to Chromecast with Google TV devices. By joining the Public Preview program, users can access the Home Panel directly from Google TV Quick Settings, where it functions similarly to the “Favorites” tab in the Google Home app.
The Home Panel allows users to control smart devices like lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, plugs, vacuums, TVs, and speakers, making it a convenient hub for managing various smart home technologies.
Google had previously announced that the Home Panel would be coming to more Google TV devices, and Chromecast is the latest addition to this list. Users interested in trying out this feature can join the Public Preview by navigating to the “Settings” tab in the Google Home app (available on both Android and iOS), scrolling down to “Public Preview,” and enrolling in the program.
Home Panel Setup and Requirements
To use the Home Panel on your Chromecast with Google TV, there are a few eligibility requirements:
- Your Google TV profile must be part of a Home in the Google Home app.
- Kids’ profiles are not supported for the Home Panel.
- The device must be in standard mode (not apps-only or basic mode).
- You need to opt into the Home Panel feature via your Google TV device.
- There must be at least one smart home device aside from your Google TV connected to your Google Home setup.
As of now, the Home Panel is available on Google TV Streamers and Chromecast with Google TV, though it might take some time before all devices receive the update.
If users encounter issues during setup, Google recommends resetting certain system apps, such as Google TV and Ambient Mode, by clearing data and stopping the apps through the device’s settings. Once reset, the Home Panel tile should appear within 15-20 minutes.
With these updates, Google continues to improve user experiences across its platforms. The global availability of Imagen 3 for Gemini users, the simplified homescreen redesign on Android, and the Home Panel’s expansion to Chromecast with Google TV all demonstrate Google’s commitment to making its technologies more accessible and easier to use for a wide range of users.
Google is giving a fresh look to the logos of several of its popular apps. The company is making these changes to make sure all their app logos look similar and feel more connected.
Which apps are getting new logos?
Apps like Google Photos, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Calendar are all getting updated logos. The new designs use the same colors as before—red, blue, yellow, and green—but the shapes and styles are now simpler and cleaner. The goal is to make it easier for people to recognize Google’s apps, no matter which one they are using.
Why is Google changing the logos?
Google says it wants all its apps to look like they belong together. By making the logos match, it’s easier for users to know which apps are from Google. This change also helps Google keep its brand looking modern and fresh.
When will you see the new logos?
The new app logos will start showing up soon on phones and computers. Some people may already see the new designs, while others will get them in the next few weeks.
In short, Google is updating the look of its app logos to make them simpler and more alike, so users can easily spot Google apps wherever they are.
Google has rolled out some exciting new features across its AI tools, including Gemini Live, NotebookLM, and the Honey extension for Chrome.
First, Gemini Live is now available for free in the U.S. on the Google app for Android and iOS. It lets users talk to Google’s AI assistant using their voice, with more natural back-and-forth conversations. A key feature is that you can now share your screen or turn on the camera so the assistant can help with what you’re seeing, like reading a document or identifying objects around you.
Next, NotebookLM—Google’s AI-powered research assistant—just added audio overviews. This means you can now listen to a quick summary of your notes or sources, which is great for multitasking or reviewing info while on the go. Google also increased the limit for source length, so you can add up to 200,000 words per source, making it more useful for big projects or research papers.
Lastly, Honey, the deal-finding tool that Google bought in 2020, now works through Chrome and has gained over 15 million users in just six months. Honey helps people find coupons and discounts while shopping online. The new version is powered by Gemini and can give more helpful suggestions by understanding what you’re looking at on the page.
With these updates, Google is pushing to make its AI tools more helpful, easy to use, and available for free where possible.
Google is bringing some interesting updates with Android 16 that aim to improve how Android works on larger screens and across different devices.
First, Android 16 is testing a new desktop mode. This lets users connect their phone to a bigger screen and use apps in resizable windows, more like a computer. It works well with a keyboard and mouse and supports split-screen for better multitasking. This could be useful for people who want to work on the go without needing a laptop.
Google is also improving how apps behave on large screens inside cars. With Android Automotive, apps will now adjust better to different screen sizes, especially ultra-wide displays. Developers will get new tools to make their apps look better and more usable in cars, even when the screen shape is unique.
On the software side, the Google Discover feed on Android is now showing website names below each article’s headline. This small change helps users know which site they’re reading from, adding more clarity and trust.
Lastly, Material You — Google’s design style — is evolving with a new theme called “Expressive.” This version brings more playful shapes, animations, and bolder color choices. Some of Google’s apps, like Fitbit, Meet, and Chat, are starting to use this refreshed look, making the user experience feel more modern and lively.
All of these updates show that Google wants Android to feel smooth, smart, and consistent no matter where or how you’re using it.
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