Just because it’s the start of the year doesn’t mean Google is slowing down on Gemini updates. In fact, Gemini has already picked up a long list of new features in January 2026. Given that new features tend to roll out gradually, and it feels like something new is being added every other day, keeping up with all of them isn’t exactly easy. That’s why here’s a quick rundown of everything Google added to Gemini in January 2026.

Personal Intelligence and Auto Browse make Gemini smarter

They turn Gemini into a personal assistant you can rely on

To make it easier to see what’s been added to Gemini each month, Google highlights all updates at the end of the month through Gemini Drops. In January 2026, the biggest update Gemini got was Personal Intelligence.

This feature, which is currently in beta in the United States, allows you to personalize Gemini by connecting it to other Google apps. Currently, you can connect it to Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search. Once enabled, Gemini can securely collect information from the connected apps to make "Gemini uniquely helpful."

Google claims that the setup is "safe and secure." If you'd like to use the feature, you need to manually enable it and choose exactly which Google apps you'd like to connect to Gemini. The AI assistant won't train directly in your Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Instead, the tech giant explains that Gemini is trained on "limited info like specific prompts in Gemini and the model's responses."

Next up, Google announced Gemini in Chrome — the company's take on agentic AI browsers. While we covered this announcement in detail in a separate article, the most exciting feature this update introduced is Auto Browse. With this feature, all you need to do is tell Gemini what to do, and instead of giving you instructions, it goes ahead and actually completes the task for you.

For instance, you can ask Gemini to book an appointment, find the cheapest train ticket and book it for you, plan a full-fledged birthday party, and more. Google also added a new Gemini side panel with this update, letting you access Gemini at any time without leaving your current tab.

Students can now take SAT practice tests in Gemini

The NotebookLM x Gemini crossover finally arrives too

A Gemini roundup wouldn't be complete without at least a feature or two geared toward students. During the BETT conference 2026, Google announced that students can access full-length, on-demand practice SAT tests within the Gemini interface. Instead of giving students generic AI questions, the practice tests are grounded in content from official educational partners like The Princeton Review.

These practice tests are also super interactive. Once you're done attempting one, you'll see your score, along with feedback to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. These practice tests are completely free, and Google promises that more tests will be added to the Gemini interface in the future.

Google also formally announced something we spotted in December — the ability to upload NotebookLM notebooks to a Gemini thread. Another super cool update that learners will especially find helpful is visual reports embedded in Deep Research reports. This feature is currently available for users subscribed to Google's Ultra tier.

Gemini adds video, shopping, and language enhancements too

These minor updates actually help a lot

Google also updated its video model in January, with the most notable update being the ability to generate videos natively in 9:16. Before this update, if you generated a video from an image, it would typically default to 16:9 (even if you fed it a vertical video).

You can now also generate videos in 1080p and 4K with "state-of-the-art upscaling." Nano Bano, Google's AI image model, got a neat upgrade too — you can now circle, draw, or type directly on an image to make edits.

For shoppers, Chrome can now help you research products and find complementary items based on tabs you already have open. Of course, this capability is powered by the Gemini app.

Gemini’s language support has also expanded, with the model now supporting over 65 languages. Gemini Live, which is Google’s two-way conversation mode, now lets you mute your mic while you’re using it. Previously, you’d need to pause it to say something (for example, talk to somebody) and then start it again so that Gemini wouldn’t be listening.

And that wraps up all the new features in Gemini for January 2026.