Google Gemini Gets a Big Upgrade with Canvas and Audio Overview
It’s shaping up to be a real productivity tool.
Have you ever started writing something and wished you had an extra set of eyes on it? Not just for spelling errors, but actually improving your ideas? That’s exactly what Google is trying to do with Gemini’s latest update.
On Tuesday, the company introduced Canvas, a new feature for its AI-powered chatbot, Gemini. It’s an interactive space where users can write, edit, and refine their work in real time, whether it's an essay, a blog post, or even code.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude have similar tools, called Canvas and Artifacts, respectively.
Louis Eriakha
Using Gemini's Canvas to write a blog post
The way Canvas works is pretty straightforward and similar to these other offerings. To test it out, look for the "Canvas" option below the input bar where you type your prompts. Alternatively, you can go directly to gemini.google.com/canvas.
My first test involved using Canvas to draft a blog post. I gave Gemini a rough idea—“The impact of AI on creative industries”—and it generated a structured outline with an introduction, key impacts, and specific examples. I also asked it to expand on one section, and it provided a well-organized paragraph with relevant details right within the existing text.
But that wasn't all, Gemini didn't only allow me to tweak sections, I could adjust tone and length, and it even suggested ways to make my writing sound more polished. These options were located at the bottom right corner in a horizontal menu.
Using Gemini's Canvas generate a Javascript code
I didn't stop there, I also tried coding on Canvas. I tested it by asking Gemini to generate a Javascript code for the website of my new coffee restaurant. It not only wrote the code but also let me preview how it would look. When I asked for modifications—like giving the page a red and blue colour palette—it updated the preview instantly.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
Using Gemini to generate an audio overview
But writing and coding aren’t the only areas Google is targeting. The company is also bringing Audio Overview to Gemini, a feature that first gained attention in NotebookLM. Basically, it takes a long, dense document and turns it into an AI-generated podcast-style summary. Instead of skimming through endless pages of text, you get two AI hosts discussing the content, breaking it down, and even offering different perspectives. It feels uncanny if I'm being honest.
I tried this too and the primary trigger for the Audio Overview option is uploading a document, slide presentation, or report into Gemini using the "Add file" option. After uploading a compatible file, Gemini should display a "Generate Audio Overview" suggestion chip near the prompt bar. This is your main access point.
Both Canvas and Audio Overview are available now for free to all Gemini users. The coding preview feature is web-only for now, and Audio Overview is limited to English, but it’s clear Google is serious about making Gemini more than just a chatbot. This is AI that doesn’t just answer questions—it helps you get actual work done.
Google has been on a bit of a roll lately, squeezing Gemini into every corner it can—Assistant, Search, Android, you name it. This update builds on that momentum, pushing Gemini beyond just answering questions and into the realm of productivity.
Image Credit: Emmanuel Oyedeji / Techloy.com
Kelechi Edeh
