Google Gemini Extensions Rebranded as ‘Apps’ and Enhanced with 2.0 Flash Thinking

Google has officially rebranded Gemini Extensions as “Apps” while also integrating them with Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, an advanced AI reasoning model aimed at improving performance and response accuracy. Although the core functionality remains unchanged, this update reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to streamline its AI ecosystem.

Additionally, Google Sheets is receiving an update that introduces a more efficient table formatting menu, making data organization easier for users. This article explores these changes and their implications for Gemini users.

What’s Changing in Google Gemini?

Google has made two key updates to its Gemini AI platform, affecting extensions and performance capabilities.

1. Extensions Are Now Called “Apps”

• The Extensions menu in Gemini has been renamed to Apps across Android, iOS, and web versions.
• The change does not affect the core functionality, meaning users can still access Gmail, Docs, Sheets, WhatsApp, Spotify, and other integrated services.
• Google updated its support pages and documentation to reflect this change.

2. Powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking

• The new AI reasoning model, Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, enhances performance for Gemini Apps.
• Users can expect faster response times, improved context understanding, and enhanced task execution capabilities.
• The update is available for both free and Gemini Advanced users.

3. Google Sheets Gets a Table Formatting Upgrade

• A new formatting submenu in Google Sheets allows users to quickly access options like gridlines, alternating colors, condensed views, and footers.
• This feature reduces the number of steps required for formatting, improving efficiency for data organization.

Why Did Google Rename Gemini Extensions?

Google frequently rebrands and restructures its products to create a more cohesive user experience. The decision to rename Extensions to Apps aligns with this approach and serves multiple purposes:

• Simplifies AI integration by making Gemini’s capabilities feel more like built-in apps rather than add-ons.
• Encourages wider adoption by using a familiar term that resonates with users.
• Eliminates confusion with browser-based extensions, ensuring users understand that these are AI-powered tools within Gemini.

This change follows previous rebranding efforts, such as renaming Bard to Gemini, reflecting Google’s broader strategy to streamline AI offerings.

How These Updates Benefit Users

Faster and Smarter AI Assistance

• Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking enhances response speed and reasoning accuracy, leading to more precise answers and context-aware suggestions.

Seamless App Integration

• Gemini Apps allow users to retrieve emails, generate documents, summarize messages, and interact with third-party services more efficiently.

Improved Productivity in Google Workspace

• The Google Sheets table formatting update simplifies workflow by reducing the steps required for data organization.

Google’s AI Strategy: What’s Next?

As Google continues refining Gemini AI, several potential developments could follow:

• Expanded third-party integrations beyond WhatsApp and Spotify.
• Deeper automation in Google Workspace Apps for enhanced task management.
• Further AI-driven refinements to improve personalization and efficiency.

Given Google’s history of rebrands and iterative updates, additional enhancements are expected in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

The renaming of Gemini Extensions to Apps might seem like a minor change, but it reflects Google’s larger goal of seamlessly integrating AI into everyday workflows. With the addition of Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, users can expect better performance, faster responses, and more intuitive AI interactions.

For those using Google Sheets, the new table formatting update further enhances productivity, demonstrating Google’s commitment to improving its ecosystem for both casual users and professionals.

With these updates, Google is positioning Gemini AI as an essential productivity tool, making it a more powerful competitor in the AI-driven assistant space.

Also Read: Google’s Find My Device App Gets a Major Redesign: New ‘People’ Tab, Live Location, and More

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