【AI前沿】Google updates its Gemini app to take on ChatGPT and Claude at IO 2026

At its annual Google I/O event on Tuesday, Google announced that the Gemini app is getting a series of new updates, including a “Daily Brief” feature, a redesigned interface, access to a new AI video model calledGemini Omni, and new personal AI agent calledGemini Spark.The updates signal Google’s push to turn its Gemini app into an all-purpose AI hub rather than a stand-alone chatbot and to make the AI assistant more competitive with apps like ChatGPT and Claude.Google describes the new Daily Brief feature as a personalized digest designed to be your first stop each morning. It pulls together information from a user’s inbox, calendar, and most important tasks, and then organizes them into a clear overview. The company says Daily Brief doesn’t just summarize this information — it also prioritizes tasks and suggests next steps, with the most important items shown first.Daily Brief is rolling out today to Google AI subscribers in the United States.Image Credits:GoogleThe Gemini app already has considerable reach: The company said it has more than 900 million monthly users and is available in over 230 countries and in more than 70 languages. But Google clearly wants more and without losing its existing customers.Google said it rebuilt the app from the ground up. Now when users open the app, they’ll see a new design language called “Neural Expressive,” which brings fluid animations, vibrant colors, new typography, and haptic feedback.Image Credits:Sarah Perez/TechCrunchGemini’s responses are no longer presented as a wall of text, which is the case with most AI chatbots. Instead, key information appears in bold at the top. Additional text and possibly other elements such as images and timelines appear as the user scrolls down.As for Gemini Spark, Google describes it as a 24/7 personal AI agent that helps you navigate your digital life. Spark transforms Gemini from an assistant into an active partner that does real work on your behalf. Since it’s a cloud-based agent, Spark keeps working in the background even when you lock your phone. With Gemini Spark in the Gemini app, users will be able to create their own custom workflows.Spark is currently in testing and the company expects to make it available to Google AI Ultra subscribers next week.Image Credits:Sarah Perez/TechCrunchThe company’s new AI video model,Gemini Omni, combines Gemini with Google’s generative media models to create outputs grounded in knowledge. For example, you could give it a simple prompt like “claymation explainer of protein folding.” The model lets you upload audio, images, and video to generate a consistent, high-quality video, according to Google.By adding access to a new video-generation model like Gemini Omni, Google is intensifying competition among major AI platforms in the ongoing race to lead multimodal content generation. The model is rolling out to Google Flow and YouTube Shorts for Google AI subscribers, underscoring the company’s broader push into multimodal content creation and AI-powered video tools.Catch up on the rest of Google IO 2026’s big newsGoogle Search as you know it is overGoogle updates Gemini app to take on ChatGPT and ClaudeGoogle introduces Gemini Spark, a 24/7 agent assistant with Gmail integrationHow to use Google’s new information agentsTopicsAI,Apps,gemini,Google,Google I/O,google i/o 2026When you purchase through links in our articles,we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.Aisha MalikConsumer News ReporterAisha is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining the publication in 2021, she was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup. Aisha holds an honours bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University.You can contact or verify outreach from Aisha by [email protected] via encrypted message at aisha_malik.01 on Signal.View BioMay 27Athens, GreeceStrictlyVC Athens is up next. Hear unfiltered insights straight from Europe’s tech leaders and connect with the people shaping what’s ahead. Lock in your spot before it’s gone.REGISTER NOWMost PopularGoogle Search as you know it is overSarah PerezElon Musk has lost his lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAITim FernholzUsers turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends supportLauren ForristalOpenAI launches ChatGPT for personal finance, will let you connect bank accountsIvan MehtaUS orders travelers on Air Force One to throw away gifts, pins, and burner phones after China tripLorenzo Franceschi-BicchieraiOpenAI is reportedly preparing legal action against Apple; it wouldn’t be the first partner to feel burnedConnie LoizosHow to turn off Instagram’s new Instants feature and retract photos you accidentally sharedAisha Malik