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


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happened to Gemini Extensions?

Google has renamed Gemini Extensions to “Apps”, but their functionality remains unchanged.

What is Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking?

It is an enhanced AI reasoning model that improves response speed, accuracy, and task execution for Gemini Apps.

Will this change how I use Gmail, Docs, or WhatsApp in Gemini?

No, the name change does not affect functionality. Users can still access all integrated services as before.

What improvements are coming to Google Sheets?

Google Sheets now includes a table formatting submenu, allowing users to quickly adjust gridlines, colors, and layouts.

Is Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking available for free users?

Yes, both free and Gemini Advanced users benefit from the new AI-powered performance enhancements.

Google’s Gemini Advanced Gets Major AI Upgrades – What’s New?

Google has recently teased significant updates for its Gemini Advanced subscription, revealing what’s coming in the next few months. These updates aim to improve AI capabilities, content generation, and productivity tools for users.

Let’s explore what’s new in Gemini Advanced and how these changes will impact users.

What Is Gemini Advanced?

Gemini Advanced is Google’s premium AI service, available for $19.99 per month under the Google AI Premium Plan. It provides access to cutting-edge AI models, enabling advanced reasoning, coding, and content generation.

Google’s latest newsletter to Gemini Advanced subscribers hints at a series of powerful updates that will enhance user experience across different domains.

Upcoming Features and Enhancements

1. New AI Models: Improved Accuracy & Transparency

Google is rolling out two experimental AI models to enhance reasoning, accuracy, and transparency:

  • Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental: This model is optimized for handling complex tasks with improved factual accuracy, making it ideal for coding, mathematical problem-solving, and research-based queries.
  • Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking: Unlike traditional models, Flash Thinking will display its reasoning process in real time, allowing users to trace AI-generated responses step by step.

These advancements are designed to improve reliability and make AI more transparent and accountable.

2. Expanded AI-Generated Content: Video, Image, and Audio

Google has confirmed that Gemini Advanced users will soon have access to enhanced video, image, and audio generation tools.

  • Imagen 3: Google’s advanced image-generation model, capable of creating hyper-realistic visuals, will see further refinements.
  • Veo 2: A high-quality AI video generation tool, currently in testing under Google Labs, may become widely available for Gemini Advanced subscribers.
  • MusicLM and Lyria: These AI tools specialize in music and audio generation, potentially allowing users to create original music compositions and soundtracks.

With these expanded creative tools, users will have more flexibility in multimedia content creation, making Gemini a serious competitor to platforms like OpenAI’s DALL·E and Midjourney.

3. AI Agent Tools: Automating Tasks Like Never Before

One of the most exciting updates involves agentic AI tools that will take action on behalf of users to automate workflows.

  • Project Mariner: Expected to integrate with Google Workspace, this AI-powered assistant will help users organize email attachments, generate Google Sheets, and analyze data with AI-powered insights.
  • Automated AI Assistants: Gemini Advanced will be able to autonomously complete routine tasks, freeing up users’ time and increasing productivity.

These AI agents could revolutionize office work, helping professionals manage tasks seamlessly across Google’s ecosystem.

4. Advanced AI Models for Complex Projects

Google has also hinted at continuous improvements to Gemini’s core models, providing:

  • Faster processing speeds
  • Greater contextual understanding
  • More efficient multitasking capabilities

As part of this evolution, Gemini 2.0 Pro will eventually become the default model for Advanced subscribers, bringing more power and accuracy to everyday AI interactions.

What This Means for Gemini Users

With these updates, Google is positioning Gemini as a top-tier AI platform, competing directly with OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, Anthropic’s Claude, and Meta’s AI models.

For content creators, business professionals, and developers, Gemini Advanced will offer:
✅ More powerful AI reasoning and fact-checking
✅ Expanded creative tools for video, image, and music generation
✅ Smarter automation for office productivity
✅ Faster and more transparent AI responses

These features make Gemini Advanced a must-have for users who want cutting-edge AI capabilities.

Conclusion: Is Gemini Advanced Worth It?

With the latest updates, Google is pushing AI boundaries by expanding Gemini’s capabilities in creativity, productivity, and automation. The upcoming features could make Gemini Advanced one of the most comprehensive AI subscriptions available.

For those already subscribed, this is an exciting glimpse into the future of Google’s AI ecosystem. For those considering it, these powerful upgrades might make Gemini Advanced worth the investment.

💡 Would you subscribe to Gemini Advanced for these new features? Let us know in the comments! 🚀

Also Read: Google Search Testing Background Section


FAQs

1. What is Gemini Advanced?

Gemini Advanced is Google’s premium AI subscription that offers access to its most powerful AI models, including Gemini 2.0 Pro and Flash Thinking. It costs $19.99/month under the Google AI Premium Plan.

2. What’s new in Gemini Advanced?

Some major updates include:
Longer, more detailed AI responses
New AI-generated video, image, and music tools
AI-powered workflow automation
Enhanced transparency with Flash Thinking AI

3. How does Gemini Advanced compare to ChatGPT-4?

Gemini Advanced focuses on real-time AI reasoning, agentic automation, and expanded multimedia generation, making it a strong competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4.

4. When will these new features roll out?

Google has teased that the updates will roll out over the next few months, though some features, like Veo 2 and MusicLM, are still in limited beta testing.

5. Where can I subscribe to Gemini Advanced?

You can subscribe via the Google One Premium AI Plan for $19.99/month through the Google Gemini app.

Google Gemini and the AI Race: Transforming Advertising in 2025

As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for AI in advertising. Google Gemini, the tech giant’s ambitious AI platform, stands at the forefront of this transformation. Touted as a game-changer, Gemini is expected to redefine how advertisers approach digital marketing while competing fiercely with industry leaders like OpenAI, Meta, and Apple. With a renewed focus on innovation and execution, Google aims to reclaim its dominance in the AI landscape.

AI: A Seismic Shift in Advertising

According to Google’s VP of global search ads and commerce, Brendon Kraham, the ongoing AI revolution is poised to surpass even the mobile revolution in its impact. This transformation is driven by three major developments:

  1. Evolving Search Behavior: AI is shifting search behavior beyond traditional keywords to more multimodal experiences that integrate text, voice, and visuals seamlessly.
  2. AI-Powered Creative Tools: These tools enable marketers to produce dynamic and personalized content at scale, enhancing user engagement and campaign effectiveness.
  3. Enhanced Measurement Capabilities: AI is improving advertisers’ ability to track performance across multiple channels, providing deeper insights and optimizing ad spend.

These advancements underscore the profound changes AI is bringing to digital marketing, compelling advertisers to adapt or risk obsolescence.

Gemini: Google’s AI Crown Jewel

Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, has positioned Gemini as a cornerstone of the company’s strategy to lead in AI innovation. Designed to address growing competition and regulatory challenges, Gemini embodies Google’s vision of an AI-driven future where technology solves real-world problems and delivers unmatched value.

Core Features of Gemini

  1. Multimodal Integration: Gemini seamlessly processes text, images, and voice inputs, offering a more intuitive and dynamic user experience.
  2. Scalable AI Capabilities: Leveraging Google’s infrastructure, Gemini delivers AI solutions that are both powerful and accessible across devices and platforms.
  3. Privacy-Centric Design: Despite its advanced capabilities, Gemini adheres to stringent privacy standards, ensuring user trust and compliance with global regulations.
  4. Real-Time Adaptability: Gemini’s ability to adapt to real-time data allows businesses to fine-tune campaigns, providing hyper-relevant messaging to target audiences.

By scaling Gemini into a universal assistant, Google aims to provide tools that not only enhance productivity but also empower advertisers with cutting-edge solutions.

Transforming Google Ads

As part of its broader AI strategy, Google is enhancing its core advertising products to align with the capabilities of Gemini. These updates aim to optimize performance and provide advertisers with a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Key Updates

  1. Performance Max: An all-in-one campaign tool powered by AI, offering automated insights and recommendations to maximize ad reach and effectiveness.
  2. Demand Gen: Designed to help advertisers drive demand by targeting the right audiences with tailored messages.
  3. Enhanced Search Capabilities: AI-driven search tools that prioritize relevance and user intent, making it easier for advertisers to connect with their target audience.
  4. Dynamic Ad Customization: Using real-time data, Gemini enables the creation of personalized ads that adapt to user preferences and behavior.
  5. Cross-Platform Insights: Advertisers can now track and analyze campaign performance across devices, channels, and demographics, ensuring a holistic view of success metrics.

These improvements reflect Google’s commitment to creating a seamless and efficient advertising ecosystem.

The Competitive Landscape

Google’s Gemini is entering a crowded and competitive field. Key players like OpenAI, Meta, and Apple are also vying for dominance in the AI space, each bringing unique strengths and strategies.

OpenAI

  • Strengths: OpenAI’s ChatGPT is synonymous with generative AI, offering intuitive and accessible solutions for both consumers and businesses.
  • Challenges for Google: Gemini must overcome OpenAI’s strong brand association with AI innovation.
  • Opportunities for Gemini: Google’s ability to integrate Gemini across its vast ecosystem of products and services could provide a distinct edge over standalone AI solutions like ChatGPT.

Meta

  • Strengths: Meta’s investments in AI-powered devices and assistants are reshaping user experiences across its platforms.
  • Challenges for Meta: Meta’s sprawling ecosystem may dilute its focus, leaving gaps that a more unified strategy like Google’s could exploit.
  • Opportunities for Google: By focusing on a cohesive approach, Google can present Gemini as a more reliable and streamlined solution for businesses and users alike.

Apple

  • Strengths: Apple’s integration of AI into its ecosystem emphasizes user privacy and simplicity.
  • Threat to Google: Apple’s methodical approach and strong consumer loyalty could redefine expectations for AI, particularly in the consumer technology space.
  • Opportunities for Google: By emphasizing scalability and cross-platform functionality, Gemini can appeal to businesses seeking versatile AI solutions that extend beyond Apple’s walled garden.

The Future of Advertising

Google’s AI-driven transformation signals a fundamental shift in digital marketing. By leveraging Gemini and other AI tools, advertisers can:

  • Create Personalized Experiences: Tailor campaigns to individual preferences, enhancing user engagement and loyalty.
  • Optimize Across Channels: Utilize enhanced measurement capabilities to drive better results and maximize ROI.
  • Anticipate Consumer Trends: AI’s ability to analyze data at scale enables businesses to stay ahead of evolving consumer behaviors and preferences.
  • Reduce Operational Overheads: Automation through AI tools like Gemini streamlines campaign management, freeing up resources for strategic innovation.

However, mastering these tools requires experimentation and a willingness to embrace change. As Google’s Brendon Kraham notes, “It will be essential to keep testing how AI should work for your campaigns, even though you may initially see poor results.”

Conclusion

Google Gemini represents a bold step forward in the AI race, promising to redefine advertising and digital marketing in 2025. By focusing on innovation, scalability, and user-centric design, Google aims to set new standards for AI-driven solutions. While challenges from competitors like OpenAI, Meta, and Apple remain, Gemini’s integration with Google’s ecosystem positions it as a formidable contender. As AI continues to transform industries, the ability to adapt and harness its potential will determine the leaders of tomorrow.

By prioritizing accessibility, user privacy, and practical applications, Gemini is poised to not only keep pace with but potentially surpass its competitors. For businesses and advertisers, 2025 offers a unique opportunity to leverage these advancements and gain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Also Read: Google Enhances Transparency in Child & Teen Ad Policies


FAQs

1. What is Google Gemini? Google Gemini is an AI platform designed to deliver advanced, multimodal capabilities for users and businesses, positioning itself as a leader in generative AI.

2. How is AI transforming advertising in 2025? AI is reshaping advertising by enabling multimodal search, automating creative processes, and enhancing performance tracking across channels.

3. What challenges does Google face with Gemini? Google faces competition from established AI players like OpenAI and Meta, as well as the need to rebuild its reputation as a leader in innovation.

4. How can advertisers benefit from AI-powered tools? AI tools like Performance Max and Demand Gen help advertisers create personalized campaigns, optimize performance, and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.

5. Why is 2025 pivotal for AI and advertising? 2025 marks a critical year where AI adoption will drive transformative changes in advertising, requiring businesses to adapt quickly or risk falling behind.

6. What sets Gemini apart from its competitors? Gemini’s integration with Google’s extensive ecosystem, its emphasis on multimodal capabilities, and its privacy-first approach give it a unique position in the AI landscape.

Google Gemini Partners with The Associated Press to Offer Real-Time News Updates

Google is expanding the capabilities of its AI chatbot, Gemini, by integrating real-time news updates from The Associated Press (AP). This partnership marks a significant milestone for Google, as it is the first time the tech giant has entered into an AI news deal with a major publisher. By incorporating AP’s trusted journalism, Gemini aims to provide users with timely and accurate information directly within the chatbot, making it a one-stop platform for credible news updates.

A Game-Changing Collaboration

The partnership with The Associated Press, a globally renowned news agency, underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing the reliability and usefulness of its generative AI products. Kristin Heitmann, AP’s Chief Revenue Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased Google recognizes the value of AP’s journalism as well as our commitment to nonpartisan reporting in the development of its generative AI products.”

What This Means for Users

1. Access to Credible News

By leveraging AP’s trusted journalism, Gemini users can access real-time updates on global events without the need for additional fact-checking. This integration aims to address a common criticism of AI chatbots—providing information that may not always be accurate or up-to-date.

2. Enhanced User Experience

Previously, Gemini lacked the ability to deliver real-time news, limiting its utility for users seeking current events. With this update, the chatbot will offer more dynamic interactions, allowing users to quickly stay informed without navigating through multiple platforms.

3. Increased Trust in AI Chatbots

The inclusion of AP as a news source adds a layer of credibility to Gemini, making it more appealing to users who value accurate and nonpartisan reporting.

A Step Forward for Generative AI

Google’s collaboration with AP is part of a broader effort to refine the capabilities of its generative AI tools. For years, Google has worked with AP to integrate accurate information into its search engine. This partnership builds on that foundation, bringing the same level of accuracy to Gemini.

In its official blog post, Google stated, “The AP will now deliver a feed of real-time information to help further enhance the usefulness of results displayed in the Gemini app. This will be particularly helpful to our users looking for up-to-date information.”

The Impact on the News Ecosystem

1. Supporting Journalism

This partnership demonstrates Google’s recognition of the importance of credible journalism in the AI era. By working with established publishers like AP, Google is not only enhancing its products but also supporting the broader news ecosystem.

2. Shaping User Behavior

The integration of real-time news could attract more users to Gemini, positioning it as a reliable source for daily updates. This move may also encourage other AI developers to collaborate with reputable news organizations, further raising the bar for accuracy in AI-driven platforms.

Challenges and Future Potential

Despite the promise of this collaboration, there are a few challenges to consider:

  • Timelines: Google has yet to announce when AP’s news updates will be fully integrated into Gemini.
  • Expanding Partnerships: To meet diverse user needs, Gemini may need to partner with additional news outlets for broader coverage.

Looking ahead, this development could pave the way for similar integrations across other AI chatbots, setting a new standard for delivering accurate and real-time information.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Smarter, More Reliable AI

The integration of The Associated Press into Google Gemini represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of AI chatbots. By prioritizing credible and real-time news, Google is addressing user concerns about reliability while enhancing the functionality of its AI products.

As this update rolls out, Gemini is poised to become a go-to platform for users seeking trustworthy information in an increasingly digital world. With this partnership, Google reinforces the idea that AI can be both innovative and responsible, setting a new benchmark for the future of generative AI.

Also Read: Understanding the CMA’s Assessment of Google Search