San Francisco, CA – February 28, 2026 – Google’s Gemini app is receiving a significant update, bolstering its creative capabilities and problem-solving intelligence with the release of Lyria 3, Gemini 3.1, Nano Banana 2, Veo Templates, and enhanced scientific citation tools. These new features, announced earlier this month, aim to empower users with more sophisticated AI tools for a range of tasks, from music creation to complex research.
The latest “Gemini Drop,” as Google calls these updates, focuses on expanding the app’s functionality beyond simple conversational AI. The core of this expansion lies in providing users with tools to not just *ask* Gemini questions, but to actively *create* with it. This push towards generative AI is becoming increasingly central to Google’s strategy, positioning Gemini as a versatile platform for both productivity and artistic expression. The updates are available to users in all countries where the Gemini app is currently accessible, with some features, like Deep Think, reserved for Google AI Ultra subscribers.
Lyria 3: AI-Powered Music Creation
Perhaps the most eye-catching addition is Lyria 3, Google’s most advanced AI music model. Lyria 3 allows users to generate 30-second musical tracks based on text or image prompts. This means users can describe a feeling, a scene, or even upload a photograph, and Gemini will compose a unique soundtrack to match. The generated tracks include instrumentals, vocals, and lyrics, offering a surprisingly complete musical experience. According to Google, Lyria 3 is designed to be respectful of copyright and artistic expression, creating tracks that are *inspired* by artists rather than directly imitating them.
The potential applications are broad, ranging from creating personalized background music for social media content to generating unique soundscapes for focus or relaxation. Users can also experiment with different genres, moods, and eras to tailor the music to their specific needs. The service also generates custom cover art for each track using Nano Banana, another of Google’s AI models. The ability to create music with such ease democratizes the creative process, making music production accessible to a wider audience.
Gemini 3.1: Enhanced Intelligence for Complex Tasks
Beyond music, Google is also significantly upgrading the core intelligence of the Gemini app with the release of Gemini 3.1. This update introduces two key components: Gemini 3.1 Pro and Deep Think. Gemini 3.1 Pro is designed for demanding workflows, offering improved performance on complex problem-solving tasks. Deep Think, available exclusively to Google AI Ultra subscribers, is a specialized reasoning mode tailored for modern science and engineering.
The improvements in reasoning capabilities are particularly noteworthy. Google reports that Gemini 3.1 Pro achieved a verified score of 77.1% on the ARC-AGI-2 benchmark, a test of a model’s ability to solve entirely new logic patterns. This represents more than a doubling of the reasoning performance compared to its predecessor, Gemini 3 Pro. This leap in intelligence opens up possibilities for applications like synthesizing data, building interactive designs, and even generating website interfaces from text prompts. The model can also perform “creative coding,” adapting the style of an image or document to create a visually cohesive website design.
Nano Banana 2 and Veo Templates: Visual Creativity Unleashed
The creative enhancements don’t stop at music. Google is also improving the app’s image generation capabilities with Nano Banana 2. This new image model allows users to add text in any language to their creations with improved accuracy and speed. This feature is particularly useful for creating visually engaging content for international audiences.
For those looking for a starting point, Veo Templates offer a curated gallery of video styles. Users can browse these templates, select one they like, and then remix it with their own details to create a polished, unique video. This feature simplifies the video creation process, making it easier for users to produce professional-looking content without extensive video editing experience.
Streamlined Research with Verified Scientific Citations
Recognizing the importance of reliable information, Google is also integrating a new feature that provides direct links to scientific papers. Gemini can now identify and display verified scientific citations, allowing users to easily access the original sources of information without having to sift through pages of search results. This feature is designed to ensure that research is backed by high-quality data and promotes transparency in information gathering. This is a crucial step in combating misinformation and promoting evidence-based decision-making.
This feature addresses a growing concern about the reliability of information found online. By providing direct links to peer-reviewed research, Gemini aims to empower users to critically evaluate information and make informed judgments. The integration of scientific citations underscores Google’s commitment to responsible AI development and its dedication to providing users with access to trustworthy information.
All tracks generated within the Gemini app are now embedded with SynthID, Google’s imperceptible watermark for identifying AI-generated content. This initiative aims to promote transparency and facilitate users distinguish between human-created and AI-generated content, addressing growing concerns about the authenticity of online media.
Looking Ahead
These updates represent a significant step forward in the evolution of Gemini, transforming it from a simple chatbot into a powerful creative and problem-solving tool. The integration of Lyria 3, Gemini 3.1, Nano Banana 2, Veo Templates, and enhanced citation tools demonstrates Google’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI and making these technologies accessible to a wider audience.
Google has not yet announced a specific timeline for future updates, but the company is expected to continue refining and expanding the capabilities of Gemini based on user feedback and ongoing research. The next major update is anticipated to focus on improving the app’s multilingual support and expanding the range of creative tools available to users.
The Gemini app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Users must be 18 years or older to access the music generation features. For more information about the latest updates and features, visit the Gemini Drops Hub.
What are your thoughts on these new Gemini features? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!