A Complete Guide to Gemini! Everything from How to Use It to Models and Plans (Updated February 2026)

Hello, this is the official note editorial department for Google's AI, "Gemini."

In this article, we will provide an overview of the entire ecosystem, focusing on the Gemini app, a conversational interface that anyone can use immediately, as well as services for businesses and developers, and the Gemini models that serve as the foundation for everything.

We hope you learn more about Google's AI, "Gemini," and find ways to incorporate it into your work, studies, and daily life.

This article will be updated periodically to provide the latest information. (Last updated: February 26, 2026).

This Update (Updated February 2026)

We have updated the content with the latest information following the release of the new "Gemini 3" AI model. We also cover the latest updates to "NotebookLM," which now includes slide and data table generation features, as well as the evolved image generation model, "Nano Banana Pro."

What is Google's AI, Gemini?

Google's AI, "Gemini," is a cutting-edge AI developed and provided by Google. Generative AI, which creates new text, images, and ideas when we talk to it or make requests by learning from vast amounts of data, has become much more familiar in the last few years.

A Multimodal AI That Can Handle Various Types of Information

What makes Gemini amazing is that it is a "multimodal AI" capable of understanding and creating new things from various types of information, including not just text, but also images, voice, video, music, and programming code.

With the latest "Gemini 3," these multimodal capabilities and reasoning abilities have evolved even further. It can read not only text and images but also the situation and context, allowing you to get more accurate results with shorter prompts.

How do I use Gemini?

Using Gemini is very simple.

Web Version

• Access gemini.google.com from your computer or smartphone browser

• Type "@Gemini" in the Chrome browser URL bar and enter your prompt directly

Mobile App Version

• iOS and Android devices: Download the Gemini mobile app (link)

• On Android devices, quickly summon Gemini by long-pressing the power button

• Set up a widget for easy access at any time

Please feel free to talk to Gemini from your usual smartphone or computer.

9 Key Features of Gemini

If you have a Google account, anyone can use Gemini's convenient features in their daily life. Let's take a look at some specific things you can do.

Feature 1. Integrates with Google Search, making it easy to verify the reliability of information

Because Gemini integrates with Google Search, you can grasp the latest information at any time, such as researching the latest market trends or new papers in specialized fields. Furthermore, by using the "Double-check response" feature, you can verify the statistical data or historical facts provided by Gemini on the web, allowing you to use the information with peace of mind.

Feature 2. Natural communication: seeing, hearing, and speaking

Gemini can understand not only text and audio, but also images and video. It supports various ways of conveying information, such as asking questions via text, conversing via voice, or showing images, and it grasps your intent to return accurate answers or ideas. An interactive feature that leverages this capability is "Gemini Live". You can point your smartphone camera at something in front of you and ask "What is this?" or talk to it while sharing your smartphone screen, saying "Summarize this website." Natural, fast-paced communication where you can see, hear, and speak is possible. (Available on the Gemini app for iOS and Android)

Feature 3. Link with the Google apps you use every day to make things more convenient and smoother

By linking with Google apps, Gemini makes your daily tasks and information gathering even smoother and more convenient. For example, you can have Gemini quickly summarize the contents of important emails received in Gmail, or have it tell you the contents of interesting videos you found on YouTube. By linking with various Google apps, Gemini acts as your reliable partner, playing an active role in every situation.

Feature 4. High processing capacity for information, excelling at video analysis and deep research

The ability to process a large amount of information at once is also a major feature of Gemini. With a vast "memory" of a 1-million-token context window, you can analyze the contents of a video lasting about 2 hours or read and summarize thick documents of up to 1,500 pages in their entirety. With the model becoming the Gemini 3 series, the ability to recognize visual information has improved significantly. It is now able to understand the events happening within a video in more detail than previous video analysis.

Also, by utilizing "Deep Think," it can not only collect information but also find subtle contradictions or important insights hidden within complex data. The more complex and vast the information you handle, the more Gemini 3 will support your professional analysis as your reliable research engineer.
Please check here for details on Gemini 3.

Feature 5. Creative expression that generates vivid images, videos, and music from words

Gemini can turn the ideas in your head into visuals. The latest image generation model "Nano Banana Pro" has improved Japanese accuracy for generated images, allowing for the generation of complex diagrams with simple prompts, and the creation of 4-panel comics. While keeping all the strengths that were features of Nano Banana, such as "character consistency" and "intuitive operation," it has dramatically improved image quality, comprehension, and freedom of expression.
Please check here for the Nano Banana Pro article.

Also, by using Gemini's video generation model "Veo 3.1", it is possible to generate an 8-second video from text. From illustrations to brighten up presentation materials to short videos, you can create them easily and enjoyably. With Veo 3.1, you can also create vertical videos, or input 2 to 3 images to synthesize those images and generate a video.

Furthermore, by using Gemini's music generation model "Lyria," you can generate sounds that perfectly match your preferences just by entering a simple prompt. You can read in not only text but also photos and videos. You can easily create original sounds of about 30 seconds from templates, such as BGM for when you want to concentrate, a song to color an important anniversary, or unique music that you'll want to share on social media.

Feature 6. "Gems" that let you create your own special Gemini

"Gem" feature allows you to customize Gemini according to the tasks you perform often or specific purposes. For example, you can have it summarize overseas industry news in a specified format, or have it create drafts for social media posts that match your writing style. By setting instructions in advance, Gemini will act as your dedicated assistant.

Furthermore, with "Gem sharing," you can now add useful Gems created by others to your Gemini with a single click. Please check this article for 6 recommended custom Gems that are useful for work and daily life.

Feature 7. "Canvas," a creative space to give shape to your ideas

With the "Canvas" feature, you can collaborate with Gemini to build project proposals or blog post outlines, or instantly turn game app ideas floating in your head into program prototypes. It is also perfect for summarizing the results of team brainstorming sessions.
Please check this article for more details.

Also, you can easily create slides just by using the Canvas feature and giving the instruction, "Create a slide deck."

Feature 8. More advanced and precise research and analysis, deeper and easier

The feature that uses AI to research complex topics and summarize findings in a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report is "Deep Research". With this feature, you can gather information from a wider range of sources—not just from the web, but also from PDFs, images, and vast amounts of documents in your Google Drive—to create analysis reports that are more accurate and filled with deeper insights. Furthermore, you can use the results from Deep Research to create web pages or even generate quizzes.

Feature 9. A personal assistant that gets to know you better the more you use it

Gemini does more than just answer questions. It learns what you are interested in and what kind of information you are looking for. The more you use it, the better it becomes at providing support tailored to you, such as writing text in your preferred style or suggesting information based on your past search history.

In this way, Gemini plays an active role in every aspect of your daily life. In particular, with the arrival of the latest next-generation AI model, "Gemini 3," its capabilities have been further supercharged, including multimodal understanding that skillfully handles images, videos, and code, the ability to decipher long texts, and assistance with programming.

As a result, the possibilities with Gemini are endless, such as creating deeper market analysis reports with "Deep Research" or bringing ideas for engaging video and music content to life with the power of AI. From business to creative hobbies and daily information gathering, the evolved Gemini powerfully supports your creativity and productivity.

Note that what we have introduced here is just a small example. If you would like to know more, please be sure to check out the "What you can do with Gemini" page on the official Google website. Gemini is sure to become a reliable partner that unlocks your creativity and makes your every day more efficient.

Gemini Plans: "Free," "Paid," "For Business," and "For Educational Institutions"

Gemini offers both free and paid plans so that anyone with a personal Gmail account can use it. Please choose the plan that best suits how you use it and what you want to achieve.

Free Version "Gemini"

This free version is perfect for those who want to "try out Gemini first!" In fact, you can experience many of Gemini's convenient features even with the free version.

Just like the paid version, you can select between "Fast Mode" and "Thinking Mode," and as of now (February 26, 2026), you can also access "Pro Mode." Access to "Pro Mode" may be changed or restricted depending on testing, trials, and availability.
In addition to everyday Q&A and brainstorming for writing, you can also use multimodal features, such as showing it an image and asking, "What is this?" or generating images.

Furthermore, you can edit documents with the "Canvas" feature to bring your ideas to life, or try out "Gems" specialized for specific purposes and uses. Integration with your usual Google apps like Google Maps and YouTube is also seamless. And, you can even try the "Deep Research" feature for deeper information gathering a few times a month. Of course, "Gemini Live," which allows for interactive conversations, is also available from the free version.

"Flow" and "Whisk" to powerfully support creators

Even those using the free version of Gemini can now use "Flow" and "Whisk." Tools have arrived that make it easier and richer than ever to express the stories and ideas in your head.

First, the AI storytelling tool "Flow," suggests story outlines, character settings, and even storyboards for each scene just by conveying your ideas in text. By linking with the Veo model, it is also possible to generate specific video clips from prompts and combine them to visualize your story.

And, "Whisk," which brings ideas to life, is now also available. With "Whisk," you can intuitively create images in entirely new styles by combining multiple images (for example, your photo and the work of a specific painter). Furthermore, by using the "Whisk animate" feature, you can add motion to the generated images and create short animated videos.

By using these tools, you may be able to make your creative work smoother and of higher quality.

Paid "Google AI Plus," "Google AI Pro," and "Google AI Ultra" plans

For those of you who want to use Gemini more deeply and conveniently, the Google AI Plus plan as well as the Google AI Pro plan and Google AI Ultra plan are perfect for you.

Benefit 1. Create not only high-quality images but also videos from text

The number of images you can generate with the latest image generation model “Nano Banana Pro” will increase significantly. "Nano Banana Pro" dramatically improves image quality, comprehension, and creative freedom, while retaining all the strengths of the previous Nano Banana, such as "character consistency" and "intuitive operation."

Also, with the paid version, you can use the "Veo 3.1" model to create attractive short videos from text instructions. "Veo 3.1" generates richer audio, from natural conversation to synchronized sound effects. Furthermore, the range of video generation has expanded, allowing you to generate videos using reference images or generate transitions between the first and last frames.

For details on Gemini app usage limits and upgrades according to Google AI subscription plans, please see here.

Benefit 2. Your usual Google Workspace apps are further evolved with Gemini

You can receive direct assistance from Gemini within the Google Workspace apps you use for daily work, such as email composition support in Gmail, document structure support in Docs, and data analysis in Sheets, significantly increasing your work efficiency.

Benefit 3. "NotebookLM" is further evolved in paid plans!

While you can use many features of “NotebookLM”, which organizes and analyzes information based on your own materials, in the free version, the Google AI Plus / Pro / Ultra plans allow you to use the even more powerful "NotebookLM in Plus," "NotebookLM in Pro," and "NotebookLM in Ultra," respectively.

In these plans, the number of notebooks you can create and the amount of information you can handle at once are more than five times higher than in the free version, so you can rest easy when you want to handle a lot of materials together or accumulate information for long-term projects.

Furthermore, the number of times you can generate features increases significantly, such as the audio overview feature where AI reads the content of your materials like a podcast, the slide generation feature that creates presentation slides, and the infographic generation feature that expresses information as a single diagram, allowing you to utilize them in more situations.
For more details about NotebookLM, please check this article.

Benefit 4. Google's agent development platform "Google Antigravity" is further evolved in paid plans!

In the Google AI Pro / Ultra plans, the rate limits for agent models on the agent development platform “Google Antigravity” are raised, enabling agent-first coding sooner.

Benefit 5. Plenty of storage from 200GB to 30TB

With Google One storage, you can use 200GB with the Google AI Plus plan, 2TB with the Google AI Pro plan, and 30TB with the Google AI Ultra plan, so you can safely store plenty of the content you create and your important data.

In addition to these rich features, with the Google AI Plus / Pro / Ultra plans, you also have the chance to experience new Gemini features before anyone else. Why not start a more advanced AI experience with the Google AI Plus / Pro / Ultra plans?

"Google Workspace with Gemini" for business and enterprise

For companies and organizations using Google Workspace, Google Workspace with Gemini is available for use in your daily operations with peace of mind.

A major feature of this plan is that the important information you input into Gemini and the content created by Gemini are never used to train AI models. Therefore, you can entrust Gemini with highly confidential information and customer interactions with confidence.

Furthermore, if you are using a Business Standard plan or higher, you can use the "Gemini side panel" alongside Gmail and Docs, as well as the AI research assistant "NotebookLM in Pro," at no additional cost.

For details, please see here.

Gemini Education for Educational Institutions

Additionally, Google supports the use of AI in educational institutions with the goal of making AI a tool that helps unlock the potential of every child.

Gemini, an AI assistant available across Google Workspace for Education, helps save time, realize engaging learning experiences, and generate innovative ideas in a private and secure environment. Gemini Education can be purchased as an add-on for all Google Workspace for Education editions.

For those who want to learn more about using Gemini in "Google Workspace for Education," please visit the Google for Education website.

We introduce what you can do with each plan and the pricing in this article, so if you want to know more, please be sure to check it out.

The Underlying Gemini Models and Development Story

Supporting the highly convenient and versatile Gemini is the "Gemini model," a common foundation developed by Google.

However, a single Gemini model cannot satisfy every need.

For example, the performance required of an AI varies depending on the situation, such as when you want to execute complex tasks accurately even if it takes time, or when quick responses are important in a short period. Therefore, to handle all situations, we have prepared the following group of Gemini models.

Major Gemini Models (as of February 2026)
The three models primarily in use are "Gemini 3 Flash," "Gemini 3 Pro," and "Gemini 3 Deep Think."

Gemini 3 Flash: Cutting-edge intelligence at surprising speed! "Gemini 3 Flash" is a highly efficient model that combines high intelligence with speeds approximately three times faster than the previous generation model. From daily research and long-text summarization to real-time chat, it supports your daily work smoothly with snappy responses.

Gemini 3 Pro: The next-generation standard that serves as the base for everything!
"Gemini 3 Pro" is the next-generation flagship model that realizes various ideas with cutting-edge reasoning capabilities. It goes beyond simple answers to present "what you really need to know" through deep insight, demonstrating its power in a wide range of areas from understanding complex concepts to brainstorming ideas.

Gemini 3 Deep Think: Solving complex problems with the depth of "thought"!
"Gemini 3 Deep Think" is a thinking mode specialized for solving more complex problems by dramatically increasing reasoning capabilities. It deeply contemplates even difficult tasks requiring specialized knowledge or unknown challenges, leading to the best answers with overwhelming problem-solving ability.

These Gemini 3 model families are the power source for the Gemini app. The model options available in the Gemini app are as follows.

• Fast Mode: A powerful and efficient flagship model optimized for speed. It is ideal for daily tasks such as summarization and brainstorming.

• Thinking Mode: A fast-thinking model that maintains a balance between speed and reasoning to quickly solve complex problems.

• Pro Mode:An advanced model equipped with the performance and reasoning capabilities of Gemini 3 Pro, excelling at handling complex math and coding prompts. Pro Mode not only allows for more detailed analysis of text, files, images, and videos, but also features significant upgrades to its coding and learning capabilities.

Development by Google DeepMind and the Origin of the Name "Gemini"
The team researching and developing these Gemini models is called "Google DeepMind." It was formed in April 2023 by merging two top teams, "DeepMind" and "Google Brain," which had been conducting AI research separately for the past decade. The name "Gemini" (the constellation) is said to embody the story of the collaboration and integration of these two teams.

The Gemini Ecosystem

Various services are built upon the foundation of the Gemini models, forming a large "Gemini ecosystem."

NotebookLM: An AI Research Assistant That Makes Organizing Information Easier
NotebookLM is your own personal AI assistant that allows you to analyze information, extract insights, and brainstorm by conversing specifically about the materials you provide. You can also create mind maps or generate podcast-style audio summaries.

For detailed instructions on how to use it, please refer to this article.

Your Usual Google Tools Are Even More Powerful with Gemini! Integration into Services and Products
Gemini is also expanding into various Google services and products that you use every day. For example, Gemini's assistant features are integrated into major Google Workspace tools like Gmail for drafting emails, Google Docs for creating documents, and Google Sheets for data aggregation, and can be called up from the side panel that appears on the side of the screen.

Furthermore, Gemini is now available on devices such as Android smartphones, Google Pixel, and Chromebooks, making for a smoother and more intuitive AI experience whether you are on the go or at home.

Gemini Services for Developers

For developers, we offer "Google AI Studio", which allows you to handle a massive amount of information—up to 1 million tokens—and easily test the latest models, as well as "Vertex AI", a full-scale AI application development platform. These tools accelerate your service development and support the integration of Gemini's AI capabilities.

In this way, Gemini provides services in various forms to meet the diverse needs of many people.

Look forward to the evolution of Gemini!

Google upholds the philosophy of "making AI helpful for everyone in the world", and we hope that more people will get to know Gemini and use it in their daily lives, work, and creative activities.

Gemini will continue to evolve rapidly. In the latest "Gemini 3 series," the newly added "Thinking Mode (Deep Think)" has improved reasoning capabilities, allowing it to logically think through complex business strategies and scientific challenges.

Furthermore, through collaboration with the image generation model "Nano Banana Pro," it can generate high-precision designs that capture the intent behind your words. Beyond just being "an AI," it is expanding into something more multifaceted, with the ability to decipher large amounts of information at once, understand the subtle nuances of videos, and autonomously support programming.

However, we will not stop here; we will continue to make updates optimized for long input and output for even greater ease of use. And above all, your usage will lead to improvements in the Gemini models.

Please make the most of the latest Gemini for your business and hobbies. And if you have any feedback—"I liked this," "This didn't work well," or "I want you to do more of this!"—we would love to hear it.Please provide feedback using the 👍👎 buttons on the product.

Please look forward to Gemini as it continues to evolve to become even more useful to you!