Google Pushes Gemini Across Search, Gmail, and Chrome in Major AI Expansion

Google is no longer treating AI as a side feature. A series of January updates pushed Gemini deeper into everyday tools like Search, Gmail, and Chrome, turning the assistant into a constant layer across how people work, search, and get things done. 

The recent updates are also changing how investors view Alphabet. Strong Gemini adoption and rising cloud revenue show Google’s AI spending is translating to real usage and business growth.

Gemini becomes central to Google’s product roadmap

In January, Google introduced what it calls “Personal Intelligence,” an opt-in approach that allows Gemini to securely connect data across Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search. The goal of these updates is to make AI more proactive while still giving users control over how their data is used. 

“Personal Intelligence rolled out in AI Mode, making Search even more uniquely yours,” Google noted. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can use this feature and connect AI mode to get personalized responses, including recommendations for shopping and travel. 

Google extended its Personal Intelligence model into AI Mode in Search, where Gemini 3 now powers AI Overviews globally. The update allows users to ask follow-up questions directly from search results and carry on a conversational exchange instead of starting a new query. 

Gmail also received expanded AI features at no cost, including Help me write, AI Overviews within email searches, and personalized suggested replies. Paid tiers added advanced tools such as proofreading and AI-powered search summaries. 

Chrome also had one of the most significant upgrades. The browser, built on Gemini 3, now includes an auto-browse feature that can handle complex, multi-step tasks like booking travel or scheduling appointments. This update changes Chrome from a passive interface into a more active productivity tool.

Gemini growth and cloud revenue reshape investor sentiment 

The product rollout coincided with a sharp shift in how investors view Google’s AI strategy.

According to Reuters, Alphabet executives showed a confident tone on their post-earnings call, the first since the release of Gemini 3, even as the company disclosed plans to spend up to $185 billion on capital expenditures this year. 

CEO Sundar Pichai said the Gemini app surpassed 750 million active users by the end of the December 2025 quarter, compared with 650 million in the previous quarter. 

Overall, we’re seeing our AI investments and infrastructure drive revenue and growth across the board,” Pichai told Reuters. 

Gemini 3 now powers AI Mode in Search and Google’s enterprise Gemini offering, which Pichai reported has reached 8 million paying licenses. Reuters also noted that Google Cloud revenue surged 48% in the December quarter, reinforcing Wall Street’s demand for measurable returns on AI investment. 

AI expansion reaches education, retail, and beyond

Google also added that beyond productivity tools, Gemini has expanded into education and commerce. 

New partnerships brought Gemini-powered features into Google Classroom and free SAT and JEE Main prep to the Gemini app. “Students get immediate feedback on their performance and can ask Gemini to explain the answers and create a customized study plan,” Google noted. 

At the National Retail Federation 2026 conference, Google introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). The UCP is an open standard for agentic commerce designed to support AI-driven shopping journeys from discovery to checkout within Search and Gemini. The company also highlighted expanded drone delivery partnerships with Wing and Walmart, aimed at reaching more than 40 million Americans. 

Google is embedding AI into Search, Gmail, Maps, and Gemini to simplify how people browse, create, and work online. See our list of Google AI features that make the internet easier to use. 

The post Google Pushes Gemini Across Search, Gmail, and Chrome in Major AI Expansion appeared first on eWEEK.