Google adds new features to Gemini
Voice assistant gets smarter and more autonomous
1New capabilities for Gemini Live
Google has added four new features to Gemini Live. Users can now trigger background agents in Docs, Sheets, and Drive with voice commands. Features like hands-free Gmail control and a spoken daily summary have also been added. These updates enable more natural interaction with devices.
2Multi-step tasks with Spark
Gemini Live can now continue working even after users stop speaking. The Spark feature takes voice instructions and executes multi-step tasks across Docs, Sheets, Drive, and the web over days. These operations continue in the background even when the app is closed.
3Convenience features for daily life
Three smaller but impactful features arrived with the update: a spoken daily brief combining Gmail and Calendar, hands-free inbox control including search, summarize, star, archive and delete functions, and Personal Intelligence that remembers past chats and reads connected apps.
4User habit-driven design
Google's research found that 63% of Gemini users already speak to their assistant. Product director Neel Joshi stated, 'Speaking a prompt out loud is often the quickest way to get help with Gemini.' These statistics and feedback were decisive in shaping the new features.
5European Union regulations
Google's settlement with the European Commission requires rival assistants on Android to have access to comparable functionality (including voice wake commands and in-app actions) by July 2027. Every new feature added to Gemini Live becomes a specification that competitors must eventually be allowed to implement.
6Subscription model and access
Access to new features varies by subscription level. Spark requires Google AI Pro or higher, while Daily Brief needs AI Plus. This means the assistant's most advanced features are limited to more expensive plans.
7Data privacy and user control
Article 5(2) of the Digital Markets Act prevents gatekeepers from cross-using personal data from designated services in other separately provided services without specific consent. Google states no data sharing occurs unless users connect their apps in Personal Intelligence settings.
8Global access uncertainty
Google's announcement doesn't specify which countries and languages will have access to these features. Given the company's history of delaying assistant launches in Europe, this uncertainty is notable. Users wonder when the features will be available in their regions.
Original article: The Next Web — Google Gemini'ye yeni özellikler ekledi