Google offers free image AI, Mac automation, dev model

Google has launched a major expansion of its AI capabilities, making a personalized image generation feature free for U.S. users while introducing a new desktop automation agent for Mac computers and a faster, lower-cost image model for developers. These moves, announced on June 29 and 30, 2026, represent a significant push to broaden access to its AI tools and integrate them more deeply into users' digital ecosystems.

The company removed the paywall for its personalized AI image generation within Gemini, a feature that was previously exclusive to paying subscribers. Available to all eligible users in the United States, the tool uses Google's Personal Intelligence framework to create images based on a user's data from opted-in services like Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search. Users can request images like "an illustration of me and my favorite things," with Gemini filling in details from connected accounts and even incorporating actual photos from Google Photos. The company emphasizes that connecting apps is opt-in and that its AI models are not trained on users' private photo libraries. A "Sources" button shows which personal data informed each image. Eligibility...