6 New Features in Gemini Drop: April 2026 Update

On Friday, April 24, 2026, Google released the April 2026 edition of “Gemini Drop,” introducing new features for its AI service, Gemini.

In April 2026, Google announced a total of six new Gemini-related features and has begun rolling them out: a new image generation capability powered by the “Nano Banana 2” model that fuses “Google Photos” with “Personal Intelligence,” the expansion of “Personal Intelligence,” the integration of “NotebookLM” into the Gemini app, the launch of the Mac version of the Gemini app, the “Lyria 3 Pro” music generation model supporting up to 3-minute tracks, and the ability to generate 3D models and interactive charts within the app. While the new image generation feature powered by “Nano Banana 2” is currently limited to the US, all other features are being rolled out globally, including in Japan.

From a new way to organize your chats to a native Mac app, here’s a look at this month’s Gemini Drops:

— Google Gemini (@GeminiApp) April 24, 2026

New Image Generation Fusing “Google Photos” and “Personal Intelligence”

In mid-April 2026, Google announced the introduction of a new image generation feature for the Gemini app, powered by the “Nano Banana 2” model, which integrates “Google Photos” with “Personal Intelligence.”

With this new feature, there is no need to manually select photos from “Google Photos.” Instead, by simply entering a prompt, the Gemini app—equipped with “Personal Intelligence”—automatically picks the most relevant photos from your library and generates new images using “Nano Banana 2.” You can also specify “Face Groups” for people or pets labeled within “Google Photos” as part of your prompt to guide the AI’s output.

Furthermore, by automatically reading your interests and lifestyle from Google services like “Google Photos” and “Google Search” (when enabled in “App Extensions”), Gemini can generate images tailored to your preferences, even with vague instructions. If the photos Gemini automatically references do not match your intent, you can manually upload images or select specific photos from “Google Photos.”

A “Sources” button has also been added, allowing you to verify which photos Gemini referenced for its output.

This new image generation feature in the Gemini app has begun rolling out to “Google AI Ultra,” “Google AI Pro,” and “Google AI Plus” members in the United States.

Expanded Rollout of “Personal Intelligence”

In mid-April 2026, Google officially announced the global release—including in Japan—of “Personal Intelligence,” a personal AI assistant that provides highly tailored information. It was initially launched on January 14, 2026, for “Google AI Pro” and “Google AI Ultra” members in the US.

“Personal Intelligence” is an advanced evolution of “App Extensions,” acting as a personal assistant that proactively provides information specific to the user. By cross-referencing personal data stored in services like “Gmail,” “Google Photos,” “YouTube” (watch history), and “Google Search” (history), it can extract detailed information, infer context, and provide precise answers.

“Personal Intelligence” is currently available in the Gemini app as a beta feature.

Integration of “NotebookLM” into the Gemini App

In early April 2026, Google announced the integration of the AI research tool “NotebookLM” into the Gemini app.

With this integration, a new “Notebooks” category has been added alongside “Gems” and “Chat,” allowing users to utilize NotebookLM features directly within the Gemini app. This enables users to create new notebooks, upload information sources, and request summaries just as they would in the standalone NotebookLM interface.

The integration of “NotebookLM” into the Gemini app is currently rolling out to “Google One” AI plan members (“Google AI Ultra,” “Google AI Pro,” and “Google AI Plus”). A rollout to non-subscribers is also planned for the future.

Release of the Mac Version of the Gemini App

In mid-April 2026, Google released a Mac version of the Google AI Gemini app, which can be instantly invoked using keyboard shortcuts: “Option + Space” (for mini-chat) or “Option + Shift + Space” (for full chat).

The Mac app allows users to share whatever is on their screen with Gemini to ask questions or request summaries. It requires macOS 15 or later and is available in all countries and languages where Gemini is supported. The app is free of charge.

“Lyria 3 Pro”: Music Generation AI Supporting Up to 3-Minute Tracks

In late March 2026, Google announced “Lyria 3 Pro,” an advanced version of the music generation AI model “Lyria 3.”

“Lyria 3 Pro” offers increased customization and supports the generation of tracks up to 3 minutes in length—six times the 30-second limit of the original Lyria 3. Users can now prompt for specific musical elements such as intros, verses, choruses, and bridges.

“Lyria 3 Pro” is being deployed via the AI video editing service “Google Vids” and the Gemini app for “Google Workspace” accounts and “Google One” AI plan members (“Google AI Plus,” “Google AI Pro,” and “Google AI Ultra”). Supported languages include English, Korean, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, and Japanese.

Gemini App Support for 3D Model and Interactive Chart Generation

In early April 2026, Google announced an update to the Gemini app adding support for generating 3D models and interactive charts.

The Gemini app can now generate interactive 3D models and charts, enhancing visual understanding. For example, users can generate rotating 3D molecular models or complex physics simulations using simple prompts.

This 3D model and interactive chart generation feature in the Gemini app is available when the AI model is set to “Pro.”

Source: Google