Google Drive Introduces New 'Vids' Shortcut for Seamless Video Editing.

Google is enhancing its Drive and Workspace suite with a new, highly requested feature that will streamline user video editing. A new "Open" button is being rolled out to the video preview screen in Google Drive, providing a direct shortcut to edit videos using the Google Vids app.

This update eliminates the tedious process of downloading a video from Drive, editing it in a separate application, and then re-uploading the new file. A simple click launches the video directly into the Google Vids editor, making quick trims, text additions, and other edits faster and more efficient.

The new feature is currently rolling out to Google Workspace users, including those on Business Starter, Standard, and Plus plans, as well as Enterprise, Essentials, and Nonprofits. It is also available to users with the Gemini Education and Gemini Education Premium add-ons, and those with Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions.

How to Use the New Video Editing Shortcut

Using the new Vids shortcut button is straightforward. Here are the steps to get started:

1. Navigate to Your Video: Open Google Drive on your computer and locate the video file you wish to edit.
2. Open the Preview: Click on the video file to open its preview window.
3. Find the Shortcut: In the top right corner of the video preview screen, look for a new "Open" button.
4. Launch Google Vids: Click the "Open" button. Your video will automatically be imported into Google Vids in a new browser tab.
5. Edit Your Video: Once in Google Vids, you can use the available tools to trim clips, add text overlays, insert music, and make other adjustments.

Important Note: When a video file is opened in Vids, a new Vids file is created. After you finish editing, you will need to save or export the video as a new file (e.g., as an MP4) to your Drive. Additionally, there are some limitations: individual clips can be up to 35 minutes long and have a maximum file size of 4GB.

This new feature represents Google's continued effort to improve video capabilities across its platform, following other recent updates like the enhanced video player and the Gemini AI video summary tool. In another related update, Google is also adding video thumbnail previews to the progress bar in Drive's video player, making it easier to scrub through your footage.

Google Clock App Gets a Major Material 3 'Expressive' Redesign.

Google is continuing its push to unify its app ecosystem with a modern, cohesive design language, and the latest to receive a significant makeover is the Google Clock app. The app's version 8.1 update introduces the much-anticipated Material 3 'Expressive' redesign, which brings a fresh look and several new features to the popular utility.

The visual overhaul, which was first hinted at in a leak back in May, is now officially rolling out to users. The redesign prioritizes a cleaner, more intuitive interface that improves functionality while aligning with Google's new design philosophy.

Key Features of the Clock Redesign

One of the most user-friendly changes is the introduction of distinct backgrounds for active alarms, making it much easier to see at a glance which alarms are turned on. The alarm setup screen has also been refined, offering a more organized layout for configuring alarm names, sounds, and toggling features like vibration and weather forecasts. Users can also now link their alarms directly to Google Assistant routines.

For waking up, the old alarm slider has been replaced by two separate, clearly labeled "snooze" and "stop" buttons, which should prevent accidental dismissals. In the stopwatch section, the lap, stop, and reset buttons have been made much larger, providing a more precise and satisfying user experience.

The article also notes a previously leaked timer page redesign that includes larger fonts and a layout that allows for more timers to be visible on the screen simultaneously. While not yet available to all users, this change suggests more updates are on the way.

The Material 3 'Expressive' redesign for Google Clock version 8.1 is currently rolling out via the Google Play Store, bringing a cleaner, more functional design to one of Android's most essential apps.

Also Read: Google Calculator Gets a Slick Material 3 'Expressive' Redesign.

Google Search AI Mode Expands with Powerful Agentic and Personalized Features.

Google is taking a major leap forward in how users interact with its search engine, announcing a significant expansion of its 'AI Mode' with new agentic and personalized features. This update, detailed in a recent blog post, is designed to transform Google Search from an information retrieval tool into a powerful, AI-powered agent that can help users get things done in the real world.

Introducing Agentic Capabilities: Your Personal Assistant in Search

One of the most groundbreaking additions is the new suite of "agentic" features. Rolling out initially as a Labs experiment for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S., these capabilities allow AI Mode to perform multi-step tasks for you.

A prime example is the ability to book restaurant reservations. Instead of just showing a list of restaurants, AI Mode can now handle complex requests with multiple constraints. For instance, you could ask, "Find me a quiet Italian restaurant for four people at 7 PM on Saturday that's good for a birthday dinner and has outdoor seating." The AI will then search across various platforms to find real-time availability and present a curated list of options, complete with direct links to booking pages. The article notes this functionality will soon expand to include local service appointments and event tickets.

Deeply Personalized Results Based on Your Preferences

In addition to agentic actions, the update brings a new layer of personalization. For users in the U.S. who have opted into the AI Mode experiment, Google Search can now use previous conversations and search history to provide recommendations that are more tailored to your personal tastes.

This means if you're looking for a new restaurant, the AI will factor in your past preferences for specific cuisines or dining environments to suggest places it thinks you'll genuinely like. This level of personalization moves Google Search beyond simple queries to an experience that feels uniquely your own.

Collaboration and Global Expansion

The update also includes a new link-sharing feature, making it easy to share AI Mode responses with friends and family. This is especially useful for collaborative tasks like planning a trip or a group event, where multiple people can view and discuss the same results.

Finally, in a major step to make these advanced features more widely available, Google is expanding AI Mode to over 180 new countries and territories in English. This global rollout will allow millions more users to experience a more complex and nuanced search experience, marking a new era for Google Search's evolution.

Also Read: Google Adds AI Mode Shortcut to Android Search Widget.

Google Calculator Gets a Slick Material 3 'Expressive' Redesign.

New Google Calculator

Google is rolling out a significant visual update for its popular Calculator app, bringing a fresh Material 3 "expressive" redesign. This new version, Google Calculator 9.0, overhauls several key elements to create a more modern and streamlined user experience.

One of the most notable changes is the removal of the traditional display container, giving the app a clean, completely flat background. The font for the numbers has also been updated to be skinnier.

The update introduces several functional and layout changes as well. Users will find a new button in the top-left corner to access calculation history, though the familiar swipe-down gesture for this action remains. The scientific actions have been condensed and are now accessible via a new "expand" button located above the numpad.

In terms of aesthetics, the buttons have been transformed into "pills" that stretch to the edges of the screen, and the number keys now have a lighter background for better visual separation. The three-dot overflow menu has also been refined with a consistent "Clear history" option and new icons for all menu items. The landscape tablet layout has also been adjusted to match the new phone design.

Old Google Calculator

The Material 3 expressive update for Google Calculator is currently being distributed through the Google Play Store.

Google Wallet Expands Digital ID Support to Montana

Google has expanded its digital wallet service to include support for state IDs in Montana, giving residents a new way to carry identification securely on their smartphones.

The feature, which has already rolled out in several other states, allows users to upload their Montana state ID or driver’s license directly into Google Wallet. Once added, the digital ID can be used at select checkpoints, such as TSA airport security lines, where digital identification is accepted.

Officials say the move is part of a broader effort to make carrying and presenting identification more convenient. With Google Wallet, residents no longer need to worry about forgetting their physical ID, as the digital version is securely stored and can be accessed with just a few taps.

Google has emphasized security in this rollout, noting that IDs in Wallet are encrypted and can only be accessed through device authentication methods like fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN.

Montana joins a growing list of states that are adopting digital identification in mobile wallets, a trend that is expected to expand further in the coming years. For now, residents will still need their physical IDs for certain uses, but the introduction of digital IDs in Google Wallet marks a step toward modernizing how people carry and use their identification.

Also Read- Google Wallet Streamlines Pixel Payments with New Quick Access Overlay.

How to Set Up Your Montana ID in Google Wallet.

If you’re a Montana resident and want to add your ID to Google Wallet, here’s how to get started:

1. Update Google Wallet – Make sure you have the latest version of the Google Wallet app installed on your Android device.
2. Open the App – Launch Google Wallet and tap the “Add to Wallet” button.
3. Select ID Card – From the list of options, choose “ID Card or Driver’s License.”
4. Verify Eligibility – Pick Montana as your state and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Scan Your ID – Use your phone’s camera to scan both sides of your physical ID.
6. Take a Selfie – Google may ask you to take a quick selfie to confirm your identity.
7. Submit for Verification – Once submitted, your ID will be verified by state authorities.
8. Ready to Use – After approval, your digital ID will appear in Google Wallet, ready to use wherever accepted.

This setup process takes just a few minutes, and once done, Montana residents can start using their phones as official ID in supported locations.

Google Powers Up its Clean Energy Future with First Advanced Nuclear Reactor Project.

In a landmark move set to significantly impact the landscape of clean energy and data center sustainability, Google has announced its first direct involvement in an advanced nuclear reactor project. Partnering with Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this ambitious initiative aims to power Google's data centers with reliable, carbon-free energy while simultaneously revitalizing the Oak Ridge region as a hub for nuclear innovation. This news marks a pivotal step in Google's commitment to achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy for all its operations.

A New Era for Sustainable Data Centers

Google's pursuit of 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) requires diverse and dependable clean energy sources. While renewable energy, such as solar and wind, plays a crucial role, its intermittency necessitates a consistent, always-on power supply. This is where advanced nuclear energy steps in. By investing in this project, Google is not only securing its energy future but also demonstrating a viable path for other large energy consumers to achieve similar sustainability goals.

The collaboration centers around Kairos Power's innovative Hermes 2 Plant in Oak Ridge. This facility represents a significant leap forward in nuclear technology, leveraging advanced Generation IV reactor designs that are inherently safer, more efficient, and produce less waste than traditional nuclear power plants.

The Power Purchase Agreement: A Model for Clean Energy Partnerships

A critical component of this project is a new power purchase agreement (PPA) between Google, Kairos Power, and TVA. This agreement is groundbreaking for several reasons:

• First of its Kind: It marks the first time a U.S. utility (TVA) has agreed to purchase electricity from an advanced Generation IV nuclear reactor. This sets a precedent for future deployments of similar technologies across the nation.
• Initial 50 MW Boost: The Hermes 2 Plant will initially provide 50 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy to TVA's grid. This power will directly support Google's data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama.
• Around-the-Clock Clean Energy: Google will specifically procure clean energy attributes from the Hermes 2 Plant. This ensures that its regional data centers are powered with locally sourced, 24/7 carbon-free energy, moving beyond simply matching energy consumption with renewable purchases.
• Scalable Solution: This initial deployment is part of a broader, long-term collaboration with Kairos Power, with the ambitious goal of unlocking up to 500 MW of nuclear power for the U.S. electricity system through multiple deployments of their small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

Re-establishing Oak Ridge as a Nuclear Innovation Hub

The choice of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is strategic. Historically a center for nuclear research and development, this project aims to re-establish the region as a vibrant hub for nuclear innovation. This will not only foster technological advancements but also create high-skilled jobs and contribute to local economic growth. The public-private partnership exemplifies how collaboration between technology companies, energy providers, and nuclear developers can drive significant progress in clean energy.

A Three-Party Solution for the Future of Energy

This project serves as a powerful example of a "three-party solution," bringing together energy customers (Google), utilities (TVA), and technology developers (Kairos Power). This collaborative model is crucial for accelerating the development and deployment of new, reliable, and affordable clean energy technologies. As the world seeks to decarbonize energy grids, such partnerships will be vital in advancing solutions that offer both sustainability and energy security.

Google's foray into advanced nuclear energy signals a major step towards a truly carbon-free future for its operations and offers a scalable blueprint for other industries striving for similar environmental targets.

Generate Images with Gemini in Google Docs on Android.

Google is rolling out an exciting new feature for Google Docs users on Android: the power to generate images directly within their documents, all thanks to Gemini AI. This update significantly enhances the mobile editing experience, bringing powerful creative tools directly to your smartphone or tablet.

Building on the existing capability to generate images with Gemini in Google Docs on the web, this new integration means you no longer need to switch between apps or devices to create visuals for your documents. Whether you're drafting a presentation on the go or refining a report from your phone, Gemini's image generation is now at your fingertips.

How To Generate Images in Google Docs?

Using Gemini to generate images in Google Docs on Android is designed to be intuitive. While specific menu paths might vary slightly during rollout, the core functionality involves these steps:

1. Open your Google Doc on your Android mobile device.
2. Locate the Gemini option on the toolbar next to the three dots.
3. Enter your text prompt describing the image you want to create.
4. Once Gemini generates the image, you'll have options to download it, copy it, or directly insert it into your document.

This seamless integration allows for quick visual enhancements to your documents without ever leaving the Docs app on your Android device.

How Image Generation in Docs Will Help Users?

• Seamless Mobile Creation: Generate, save, copy, and insert AI-powered images directly into your Google Docs on your Android device. This streamlines your workflow and makes content creation more fluid than ever.
• Enhanced Visual Storytelling: Easily add relevant and engaging visuals to your documents, from custom illustrations to concept art, without leaving the Docs app.
• Gemini AI at Your Fingertips: Leverage the advanced capabilities of Google's Gemini AI for quick and intelligent image generation, transforming your ideas into visual assets.

Availability:

This new feature is rolling out gradually, with visibility expected to reach all eligible users over the next 14 days, starting from August 8, 2025.

The image generation feature in Google Docs on Android will be available to a wide range of Google Workspace customers, including those with:

• Business Standard and Plus
• Enterprise Standard and Plus
• Google AI Pro and Ultra subscriptions
• Customers with specific Gemini add-ons

This update underscores Google's commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities across its Workspace suite, making powerful tools more accessible and intuitive for users across all platforms. Stay tuned to your Google Docs app on Android for this exciting new creative capability!