Google Launches Gemini 3 As AI Race With OpenAI Intensifies

Google has unveiled Gemini 3, the latest upgrade to its large language model and a major step in its efforts to close the gap with OpenAI. The new model promises more sophisticated answers in the Gemini app, improved performance in AI Mode on Google Search and stronger capabilities in coding, app development and image generation.

Koray Kavukcuoglu, chief technology officer at Google DeepMind, said the company hopes the model will help users turn any idea into reality. Anticipation for the launch had been building for weeks, with online communities on Reddit and X hunting for signs that Google had quietly rolled out early features.

Gemini’s popularity has surged this year, driven in large part by Nano Banana, Google’s fast new image generator. The tool has created more than five billion images since August and helped propel Gemini to 650 million monthly active users, up from 450 million in July. Queries on the app have tripled since spring, and return rates have more than doubled.

Despite the momentum, Gemini still trails ChatGPT, which now has 800 million weekly active users. Nano Banana has nonetheless attracted creators because it produces images within seconds and avoids many of the distortions common in other models. Brooklyn based brand designer Jamey Gannon said the tool has already replaced much of her Photoshop workload.

To build on this growth, Google has redesigned the Gemini app and introduced new features, some reserved for paying customers. AI Ultra subscribers will gain access to Gemini Agent, an experimental tool meant to handle complex tasks such as inbox organization or travel planning. Google is also launching a new development platform called Google Antigravity, which positions Gemini 3 as a coding agent capable of performing more tasks on behalf of users.

Google’s scale gives it several strategic advantages in the AI race, including custom chips, dominance in online search and a massive base of users already tied into Gmail, Docs and other services now infused with AI. The company recently posted record revenue as it ramps up investment in AI infrastructure.

Gemini 3 will arrive for subscribers in AI Mode this week, with a wider rollout planned for users across the United States.