Google Unleashes a Wave of AI Upgrades across Products and Platforms

Google’s artificial intelligence teams experienced an exceptionally dynamic week as the tech giant unveiled a sweeping range of new features across its platforms, just in time for the holiday season. NotebookLM led the rollout with multiple additions, followed by substantial enhancements to Google Photos, alongside updates from DeepMind, Gemini, and Google Message. With so many innovations dropping simultaneously, it became a whirlwind of technology announcements that left users buzzing.

NotebookLM Rolls Out Six New Features

On X (formerly Twitter), the eNotebookLM team surprised users with a rapid-fire release of five new features within 48 hours. Interestingly, the announcement posts themselves became part of the conversation. Among NotebookLM enthusiasts, one of the most requested features has been “folders” for better project organization.

When NotebookLM revealed its major new addition—custom video overview styles—many users joked that it still wasn’t the folder feature they desperately wanted. The reaction became so widespread that Lizzie Tao, Google's Brand and Social Media Manager, wrote, “I am cracking up at the number of people who are like 'WHAT???? We wanted FOLDERS" ... I promise!!!! I am WORKING on folders!!! @NotebookLM will get folders if it's the last thing I do!!!”

Following this, every new announcement began with playful lines like, “We were kidding earlier, here is what you really wanted..” teasing users before unveiling yet another non-folder feature.

Despite the humor, NotebookLM introduced impactful updates. Besides custom video overviews, where users can generate slide-style videos using typed prompts, the platform also added chat history, the ability to use images as sources, Deep Research integration, and globally expanded Flashcards and Quizzes for mobile users. These additions make NotebookLM even more versatile and interactive.

Four New Features Arrive in Google Photos

Google Photos also saw a packed release week. The Nano Banana image-editing AI model is now integrated, enabling users to edit photos simply by typing instructions. The Create tab gained AI-powered templates, letting users apply popular edit styles instantly.

A new Ask button now appears on images, allowing users to explore related photos, describe edits, or ask questions about image content. Meanwhile, iOS users in the US gained access to the Help me edit feature, now supporting text and voice-based editing commands, though not powered by the Nano Banana model.

Updates in Messages, Gemini, and AI Mode

Google Messages now supports Nano Banana through a feature called Remix. Users can long-press an image to reimagine it instantly. Gemini introduced the Veo 3.1 model, where multiple reference images can accompany a video prompt. Shopping assistance also expanded, offering inspirations, comparisons, and listings within the chat interface.

AI Mode in Search now supports agentic checkout, where users can set a target price and let the AI auto-purchase once the threshold is met. The Let Google Call feature can contact local stores on a user’s behalf, gathering details like stock or reservations through automated calls.

DeepMind Introduces SIMA 2 Preview

Not to be left behind, Google DeepMind unveiled a research preview of SIMA 2, a Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent. Powered by Gemini, it can autonomously play video games or follow user instructions to explore virtual environments. The project aims to advance AI for future use in general-purpose robotics by evaluating its ability to navigate novel worlds.