Google unveils an avalanche of announcements with the first Gemini Drops of 2026. On the agenda: Project Genie which generates interactive worlds, Gemini integrated into Chrome with autonomous browsing, and major improvements for Veo 3.
Project Genie: interactive worlds generated by AI
January 30 — Google launches Project Genie in public access for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the United States.
Genie 3 transforms a simple text prompt into a dynamic interactive environment. The system combines three technologies:
| Technology | Role |
|---|---|
| Genie 3 | Physics simulation |
| Nano Banana | Image generation |
| Gemini | Reasoning |
Available at labs.google/projectgenie.
Gemini in Chrome: Auto Browse and Personal Intelligence
January 30 — Google integrates Gemini directly into Chrome with a major update.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Side panel | Multitasking with Gemini next to the active tab |
| Personal Intelligence | Connection to Google apps (Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, Shopping, Flights) |
| Auto Browse | Automation of multi-step tasks in the browser (US preview) |
| UCP | Universal Commerce Protocol |
| Security | Enhanced protection |
Available on Windows, macOS and Chromebook Plus (US). Gemini in Chrome is also coming to iOS.
Gemini Drops: 8 announcements in one thread
January 30 — Google publishes the first Gemini Drops of 2026 with 8 announcements:
| # | Announcement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Personal Intelligence | Connection of your Google apps for personalized help |
| 2 | Auto Browse | Agentic automation in Chrome (US preview) |
| 3 | SAT and JEE Practice | Free practice tests for SAT and JEE exams |
| 4 | Veo 3 Vertical Videos | Portrait mode for social media content |
| 5 | Veo 3.1 Image-to-Video | Transformation of images into videos with dialogues and storytelling |
| 6 | Better Shopping | Product search based on open tabs |
| 7 | Gemini Chrome iOS | The Gemini assistant arrives on iPhone via Chrome |
| 8 | Answer Now | Quick answers with Gemini 3 Flash |
🔗 Gemini Drops thread @GeminiApp
What it means
Google is accelerating on all fronts: world generation (Genie), autonomous navigation (Auto Browse), video creation (Veo 3.1) and deep integration into the Chrome ecosystem.
Auto Browse is particularly notable: it is Google’s answer to Anthropic’s Computer Use and OpenAI’s Operator. The user gives a complex task (booking a flight, comparing prices, filling out forms) and Chrome executes it by navigating multiple sites.
The Gemini Drops promise a sustained pace of announcements for 2026.