# Gemini Canvas: A Revolutionary Shift in Mobile Productivity
In a major enhancement to its Gemini app, Google has unveiled Gemini Canvas, a feature aimed at boosting productivity on mobile devices. This update, revealed on March 18, 2025, introduces a revamped “plus” menu to both Android and iOS systems, with the goal of simplifying user interaction and offering more straightforward access to crucial tools.
## What’s Changed in the Plus Menu?
The standout alteration in this release is the overhaul of the “plus” menu. Previously organized as a list, the menu now showcases a side-by-side configuration for rapid access to essential functions: **Camera**, **Gallery**, **Files**, and **Drive** (which is not available on iOS). This fresh layout not only enhances navigation but also enables users to shift between functionalities effortlessly.
### Shortcuts for Boosted Productivity
Beneath the reimagined buttons, users will discover shortcuts for two key features:
– **Deep Research**: This capability delivers comprehensive answers to users’ inquiries, removing the necessity to go to a model picker. It incorporates Google’s latest model, **2.0 Flash Thinking**, which is presently in an experimental stage.
– **Canvas**: This functionality allows users to generate documents and code straight within the app, boosting the adaptability of Gemini Canvas.
When certain functionalities are not accessible, the related buttons are dimmed, keeping users informed of their choices at all times. Furthermore, a new “Files in this chat” button has been added in the top-right corner, enhancing the ease of access.
## Constraints of Mobile Canvas
While the new offerings are exciting, there are limitations to the mobile version of Canvas when compared to its desktop equivalent. Significantly, the mobile app lacks a split-pane view, which could affect usability. Users may open and view drafts, but any modifications necessitate closing the document and re-entering a prompt in the chat. Highlighting and editing text is also not supported on mobile devices, which may be a downside for users who depend on these features for detailed projects.
Nonetheless, the app does feature preview and next version shortcuts in the top bar, allowing users to swiftly navigate through document revisions.
## Availability and Upcoming Updates
The revamped Canvas with the new plus menu is being rolled out on both Android and iOS platforms. This update follows the recent launch of **Audio Overviews**, highlighting Google’s dedication to improving user experience across its applications.
For users keen to learn more about Gemini, additional features and updates can be found, including:
– [Gemini app now available without Google Account sign-in](https://9to5google.com/2025/03/18/gemini-no-sign-in/)
– [Gemini replacing Google Assistant on Chromebooks](https://9to5google.com/2025/03/18/gemini-google-assistant-chromebooks/)
– [Gemini Live gets a more compact interface ahead of Astra](https://9to5google.com/2025/03/17/gemini-live-compact-interface/)
## Conclusion
The launch of Gemini Canvas represents a pivotal advancement in mobile productivity for Google users. With its refreshed interface and improved features, the app strives to deliver a more effective and user-friendly experience. As Google persistently innovates and broadens the functionalities of its applications, users can anticipate even more upgrades in the near future.
