On September 1, 2026, Google revealed a series of new features that expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its main products. The innovations aim to transform the user experience, making daily tasks more intuitive and the creation of visual content more accessible.
Among the updates, innovative features for Android devices and the official launch of Google Pics, an AI-based image editing and creation tool, stand out. This new platform, part of Google Workspace, arrives to compete directly with sector giants such as Canva and Adobe Express, promising a new paradigm in the generation of designs.
In the Android ecosystem, one of the most notable improvements is the integration of Gemini with Find Hub, a system designed to help users locate important objects that do not have digital trackers. This functionality promises to be a relief for those who suffer from forgetting essential items, such as keys or passports.
Google Pics takes a distinct approach to the creative process. Instead of requiring the user to start with a blank canvas and assemble the design manually, the tool allows the individual to describe the desired image through text, and the AI then takes care of producing the art.
The Gemini assistant will help you remember where objects were stored
With this new Find Hub capability, users will be able to instruct Gemini to remember the location of a specific item. The idea is to provide support especially for less frequently used objects, such as important travel documents. In addition to verbally indicating where the object was stored, the user can also add a photograph to provide context.
The information will be stored in a new area of Find Hub, dedicated to “remembered items”. Whenever there is a need to locate the object, it will be possible to consult Gemini directly or navigate to the specific tab in Find Hub. This feature will be available for devices running Android 16 or higher versions, in regions where Gemini and Find Hub are compatible.
New Motion Assist seeks to prevent motion sickness during car trips
Another new feature for Android is Motion Assist, developed to reduce discomfort caused by movement when traveling by car. The tool works by projecting superimposed points on the device’s screen that adjust to the vehicle’s movements.
The objective is to harmonize the user’s visual perception on the screen with the sensations of the inner ear during movement. This innovation, which is similar to Apple’s Motion Cues, can be activated automatically or added to the device’s quick settings. There are also customization options for the format, color and transparency of the overlapping points.
Gemini Live Gets Enhancement with Guided Vision
Google is also expanding the Guided Vision functionality already built into Gemini Live. This feature uses the cell phone camera to help the user identify information or objects in the real environment.
The tool can, for example, help decipher small print on product labels and menus, or locate a specific ingredient in a cupboard. The system also offers voice guidance when the camera’s framing is not suitable, instructing the user to adjust the device’s position. Guided Vision will roll out to devices running Android 9 or later.
Google Messages now allows new themes and simplified collaboration
The Google Messages application also received a series of new features. Now, the platform allows the creation of personalized themes for conversations, with background images chosen by the user and message bubbles that automatically adapt to the selected look.
Another significant change is the ability for all participants in a conversation to create and edit Google Keep notes directly through Google Messages. This function is useful for organizing group tasks, such as putting together a shared shopping list or detailing plans for a group trip.
Google Pics arrives to compete directly with Canva
In addition to the features for Android, Google introduced Google Pics, an image creation and editing tool that integrates artificial intelligence. The product will become part of the Google Workspace package and will be released in the coming weeks to the majority of the service’s customers, in addition to subscribers to the Google AI Pro and Ultra plans. The technology behind imaging is the Nano Banana model.
Google Pics’ purpose is to simplify common visual design tasks, such as creating posters, social media posts, illustrations and other graphic materials. The great innovation, which differentiates it from traditional tools, is in its work methodology. Instead of starting a project from scratch and assembling it manually, the user describes verbatim what they want to create, and the AI generates the material automatically.
Google Pics also offers a set of tools to isolate and modify objects, change or translate texts within images and produce different versions of the same request, allowing the user to choose the option that best fits their needs. The platform also supports collaborative editing.
The service arrives to compete directly with established platforms such as Canva and Adobe Express. A crucial difference between the proposals is that, while Canva maintains a marketplace where artists, illustrators and photographers can display their work and receive royalties, Google Pics focuses entirely on creating content through artificial intelligence. Initially, Google Pics will be integrated into Docs and Slides, with plans for its future inclusion in Google Drive.
