Spoiler: It’s a short list this year.
By Alex Perry on May 19, 2026
Google just announced a range of new AI tools for productivity and creativity at its Google I/O keynote on Tuesday, but not many of them are available for free right now.
I/O was significant for Gemini superusers, as the most impressive features are being rolled out to paying members at the moment. Even Google AI Plus and Pro users will miss out on some. It makes sense from a business and AI safety perspective — test new tools with the most engaged power users, then roll them out widely — but it does make things a bit less exciting for the average Google user.
However, there were a few new tools announced on Tuesday that you can use immediately without spending any money. Let’s discuss them.
Gemini 3.5 Flash
The biggest news out of Google I/O? The immediate launch of Gemini 3.5 Flash, the new default model for the Gemini app and Google Search.
To try it, simply open the Gemini app or use Google AI Mode. Google claims Gemini 3.5 Flash is faster than other models and better handles complex tasks while using tokens more efficiently. This one’s easy to try, as Gemini 3.5 Flash is now the default Gemini model for everyone. Go check it out.
Gemini Omni Flash for YouTube Shorts and Create
First is Gemini Omni Flash, a new world model. While it only generates video for now, it can simulate physics and draw from Gemini’s real-world knowledge, creating more accurate environments. Omni Flash videos can be edited via conversational dialogue with the app, allowing you to change the background of a shot by simply telling it to do so.
Eventually, Omni will be a fully multimodal world model for both inputs and outputs. At launch, you can use text, images, videos, or audio as the basis for creation. Omni Flash will be available later this week for YouTube Shorts and in the YouTube Create app for all users, for free.
SynthID in Chrome and Google Search
Tired of not knowing if something was AI-generated? Thanks to new developments with Google Search and Chrome, that should become easier.
During I/O, Google announced that Chrome and Search will now include SynthID, an invisible digital watermark on AI-generated content, to detect AI content. Right-click on an image or use Circle to Search to find out if any part of the image was AI-made.
Several third-parties, including OpenAI, have also adopted SynthID, making it more widespread.
Neural Expressive in the Gemini app
Finally, Google introduced a new visual design language for Gemini. While not technically a tool, you can try it for free in the Gemini desktop and mobile app. The new design language features vibrant colors, new haptic feedback, and fluid animations. It also integrates Gemini Live, the app’s live voice mode, into the core experience.
Google Pics
Google teased the launch of Google Pics, which will be available in Workspace apps like Google Docs and Keep. It’s a Canva-like tool for creating images, flyers, and similar visual presentations, powered by Google AI. Unfortunately, Google Pics is also rolling out to paid users, with one exception: those with a Google Workspace business account through their employer can try Pics without paying anything.