Google has introduced two groundbreaking features to its advanced AI model, Gemini: Canvas and Audio Overview. 

These innovations aim to transform the way users collaborate, create, and engage with digital content, reinforcing Gemini’s role as a powerful tool for productivity and creativity.

Dave Citron, Senior Director of Product Management for Gemini Apps, highlighted the significance of the update, stating that Gemini is evolving into an even more powerful partner for creativity and productivity. 

With Canvas and Audio Overview, users now have intuitive tools to refine their work, learn more effectively, and bring their ideas to life.

Canvas is an interactive workspace designed to streamline document and code creation. It offers real-time writing, editing, and refining capabilities, allowing users to work more efficiently with AI-driven feedback and intelligent editing suggestions. 

The feature enables seamless document refinement, allowing users to generate high-quality drafts, adjust tone and style, and export their work directly to Google Docs for enhanced collaboration. 

It also enhances the coding experience by helping developers and learners transform ideas into working prototypes for web apps, Python scripts, and more. 

The platform supports HTML and React previews, enabling seamless iterative development. Canvas is now available to Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers in all supported languages.

Audio Overview introduces a revolutionary way to consume information by converting documents, slides, and research reports into AI-generated, podcast-style discussions. 

It generates conversations between AI hosts who summarize, analyze, and provide unique insights on uploaded content. This feature enhances accessibility by catering to multitasking professionals and students, allowing them to absorb complex information effortlessly via the web or the Gemini mobile app. 

Currently available in English for Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers, additional language support is expected soon.

Read Also: Google launches first cloud region in Africa, accelerating digital transformation

Google’s latest enhancements to Gemini reinforce its commitment to advancing AI-driven collaboration and content engagement. 

With Canvas and Audio Overview, users can work smarter, refine content more efficiently, and consume information in a more interactive and engaging way.

As Citron noted, there has been tremendous excitement around Audio Overview in NotebookLM, and Google is thrilled to bring this innovative feature to Gemini. 

The technology transforms how people engage with complex information, making learning more accessible and enjoyable.

These updates expand Gemini’s capabilities in AI-powered productivity. Canvas provides real-time collaboration and intelligent editing for documents and code, while Audio Overview delivers AI-generated podcast-style discussions for content summarization. 

By streamlining workflows for content creation, coding, and learning, Google continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven creativity and efficiency. Canvas is available in all languages, while Audio Overview is launching in English first, with more languages to follow.

With these updates, Gemini continues to evolve as a leading AI tool for creativity and efficiency. Users can explore these new features at gemini.google.com.

Google Cloud has officially celebrated the launch of its first African cloud region in Johannesburg, marking a major step in the company’s $1 billion commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Having been operational since January 2024, the Johannesburg cloud region provides businesses and organizations with advanced AI, machine learning, and data analytics tools, enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation across various sectors. The initiative aims to empower African enterprises and multinational corporations by offering improved security solutions and fostering economic growth.

The Johannesburg cloud region is part of Google’s broader investment in Africa’s digital infrastructure. In May 2024, Google Cloud unveiled Umoja, a new fiber optic cable connecting Kenya to Australia. Along with the Equiano cable and the newly launched cloud region, these projects form Africa Connect, a strategic initiative designed to enhance network speed, reliability, and affordability across the continent.

Speaking at the launch, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded the development, stating, “The Google Cloud region in Johannesburg is a valuable investment in South Africa, fostering innovation across our economy. Google’s growing presence will benefit the people of South Africa and the rest of Africa by allowing firms and entrepreneurs to access the powerful potential of AI, transforming nearly every part of the economy.”

Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Google’s commitment to Africa’s digital future. “By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to the businesses and developers fueling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation and drive sustainable growth,” he said.

The launch event at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg featured keynote speeches from industry and government leaders, including Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa; and South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi. The event included business and technical discussions, a partner expo, and live demonstrations of Google Cloud’s capabilities.

Premier sponsors of the event included Accenture, ADG, Deimos, Deloitte, Digicloud, and Liquid C2, alongside over 20 exhibitors. Attendees also heard customer success stories from prominent organizations such as 4G Capital, FNB, Government of Benin, Healthbridge, Jaguar Land Rover, Moniepoint, Openserve, Pepkor, Salus, Smollan, Syft, Travelstart, and Vodacom.

Read Also: Google axes pledge not to use AI for weapons

Google Cloud has been instrumental in equipping Africans with critical digital skills through training programs such as Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and Google Hustle Academy. Since 2022, the Hustle Academy has trained over 15,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, with the 2025 edition set to focus on AI-powered business training.

The company is also fostering Africa’s startup ecosystem through initiatives like Google for Startups Accelerator Africa. Over 260 startups across 17 African countries have benefited from this program, collectively raising more than $600 million in follow-on funding. These startups have seen a 31% increase in employment and a 25% rise in monthly recurring revenue.

A recent Public First digital impact study highlighted the economic benefits of Google’s digital investments in Africa. In 2023 alone, Google Cloud, along with Google Search, Google Play, YouTube, and Google advertising tools, contributed $16 billion in additional economic activity across Sub-Saharan Africa. The report predicts that for every $1 invested in digital technology in the region, over $2 in economic value will be generated by 2030, with even higher returns in leading nations.

As Google Cloud continues to expand its presence on the continent, the Johannesburg cloud region is expected to serve as a cornerstone for Africa’s digital revolution, bridging the digital divide and driving long-term economic growth.

Google today announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Hustle Academy program, designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Building on the success of previous years, the program will continue to emphasize AI-powered business training, alongside the launch of a new season of the popular “Hustle Academy Brings You” speaker series.

Despite their critical role in driving Africa’s economic growth, SMBs across the continent often face significant hurdles. Limited access to funding, inadequate business resources, and a lack of specialized skills hinder their ability to scale and thrive. Google’s Hustle Academy directly addresses these challenges by providing practical training, expert mentorship, and a robust entrepreneurial network, enabling SMBs to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.

Since 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy has provided critical support to over 15,000 SMBs who have completed the bootcamp. The 2025 program will further equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to scale their businesses in today’s digital landscape.

“We are thrilled to launch the 2025 Hustle Academy, continuing our commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs,” said Kristy Grant, Head of B2B Marketing, SSA at Google. “This year, we are reinforcing our focus on AI-powered business training, enabling SMBs to leverage cutting-edge technology for growth. We are also excited to bring back ‘Hustle Academy Brings You’, featuring inspiring stories from successful African business leaders.”

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The free, virtual Hustle Academy 2025 bootcamp will provide participants with in-depth training on: AI Integration: Learning how to incorporate AI into operations, marketing, and customer engagement; Core Business Fundamentals: Covering business strategy, financial management, digital marketing, and leadership development.

To be eligible, SMBs must have been operating for at least one year in Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa and be seeking to expand their business. Participants will benefit from expert mentorship, practical case studies, and networking opportunities.

Complementing the bootcamp, the new season of “Hustle Academy Brings You” will feature candid conversations with prominent African entrepreneurs, including: Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Brian Jura, Founder & CEO, Home 254 Apparel; Foluso Ogunwale, Founder of i-Fitness Gym and Wellness Center; Nobukhosi Mukwevho, Founder and CEO of Khosi Nkhosi Fashion House and Yolanda Odida, Founder of  Pure Purple

These episodes, available on the Google Africa YouTube channel, will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in Africa.

“By combining practical training with inspiring stories, we aim to provide SMBs with the tools and motivation they need to succeed,” added Grant.

Applications for Hustle Academy 2025 are now open at g.co/hustleacademy.

Watch the new season of “Hustle Academy Brings You” on the Google Africa YouTube channel.

Google on Wednesday said it has removed a pledge from its artificial intelligence (AI) principles that had said the company would not use the technology to develop weapons.

The technology giant had rewritten the principles that guide its development and use of AI which is published online, but a section pledging not to develop tech that cause or are likely to cause harm has now been removed.

That section said the firm would not pursue applications in the areas of weapons or “that gather or use information for surveillance violating internationally accepted norms”.

Instead, the new principles feature a section on responsible development and deployment which implement “appropriate human oversight, due diligence,feedback mechanisms to align with user goals, social responsibility, and widely accepted principles of international law and human rights.”

In a blog post, Google senior vice president James Manyika and Sir Demis Hassabis, who leads the firm’s AI lab, Google DeepMind, said the company needed to update its AI principles as they had been first published in 2018 and the technology has “evolved rapidly” since then.

“Billions of people are using AI in their everyday lives. AI has become a general-purpose technology, and a platform which countless organisations and individuals use to build applications,” they said.

“It has moved from a niche research topic in the lab to a technology that is becoming as pervasive as mobile phones and the internet itself; one with numerous beneficial uses for society and people around the world, supported by a vibrant AI ecosystem of developers.”

They said this had meant increased international collaborative efforts on common principles, which the blog post said Google was encouraged by.

Read Also: Policy blueprint for a new era of African innovation, by Doron Avni

But Manyika and Hassabis said “global competition” for AI leadership was taking place within an “increasingly complex geopolitical landscape”.

“We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights,” they said.

“And we believe that companies, governments, and organisations sharing these values should work together to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security.”

There is an ongoing debate among AI experts, governments, regulators, tech firms and academics about how the development powerful emerging technology should be monitored or regulated.

Previous international summits have seen countries and tech firms sign non-binding agreements to develop AI “responsibly”, but no binding international law on the issue is yet in place.

In the past, Google’s contracts to provide technology, such as cloud services, to the U.S. and Israeli military have sparked internal protests from employees.

James Fisher, chief strategy officer at AI firm Qlik, said Google’s decision was concerning, and highlighted the need for countries such as the UK to push for more international governance.

“Changing or removing responsible AI policies raises concerns about how accountable organisations are for their technology, and around the ethical boundaries of AI deployment,” he told the PA news agency.

“AI governance will of course need to flex and evolve as the technology develops, but adherence to certain standards should be a non-negotiable.

“For businesses, this decision shows we are likely to face a complex AI landscape going forwards, where ethical considerations are weighed up against industry competition and geopolitics.

“For the UK, which has attempted to position itself as a leader in AI safety and regulation, this decision only makes it more important to put robust, enforceable AI governance frameworks in place.

“The UK’s ability to balance innovation with ethical safeguards could set a global precedent, but it will require collaboration between government, industry and international partners to ensure AI remains a force for good,”Fisher said.(dpa/NAN)