Google launches AI study tools in Search and Gemini, offers students free year of AI Pro

Aug 19, 2026

Google has launched a suite of AI-powered study tools across Search and Gemini for the new school year, alongside a promotion offering eligible US college students a free year of Google AI Pro (normally $200/year) and international students a free year of AI Plus. The updates introduce interactive 3D simulations, custom practice quizzes, and a dedicated Gemini student hub. Google is positioning these features to compete with OpenAI and education startups like Knowt, despite facing criticism from Common Sense Media regarding AI safety risks for minors.

Google AI study tools launch

▪Google announced a suite of new AI-powered study tools across Google Search and Gemini on August 19, 2026, ahead of the new school year.
▪Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted that the new Google Search features can help students prepare for standardized exams including the SAT, ACT, AP, ENEM, GRE, JEE, LSAT, MCAT, and NEET.
▪Common Sense Media recently evaluated Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode and declared that the AI-powered Search posed an "unacceptable risk" to minors.
▪Google disputed the Common Sense Media assessment, stating that the study used contrived queries and that its AI Search features are an incredibly useful way for minors to learn.

Free AI Pro student subscription

▪Eligible college students outside the United States can receive a free year of Google AI Plus, which includes 400GB of storage and higher Gemini usage limits.
▪Google is offering eligible college students in the United States one free year of Google AI Pro, which normally costs $20 per month or $200 per year.
▪The free US Google AI Pro student subscription includes access to the Spark agentic platform, Gemini in Workspace apps, 5TB of cloud storage, and a Google Health Premium subscription.

Gemini student hub features

▪Google is launching a dedicated student hub in the Gemini app that centralizes learning tools such as study notebooks, flashcards, and practice quizzes.
▪Google is integrating its Deep Research feature into Gemini Live, allowing students to generate multi-step research reports and discuss the findings via voice.
▪Google is adding functional 3D simulations to Gemini, allowing students to rotate and zoom into interactive models such as a 3D DNA structure.
▪Gemini study notebooks will use short diagnostic quizzes to identify knowledge gaps and generate personalized, bite-sized study plans.

Search interactive learning tools

▪Google Search will allow students to upload files like PDFs, slides, and photos of handwritten notes to generate condensed one-page study summaries.
▪Google is rolling out a Lens-based learning experience in the Google app that allows students to upload photos of problems to receive step-by-step guidance.
▪Google Search can generate customized practice quizzes across subjects like science, math, humanities, and foreign languages based on user prompts.
▪Google Search will allow students to generate interactive visuals, such as an interactive pH scale, through AI Overviews and AI Mode.

Student market competition strategy

▪Google reported in July 2026 that Gemini had surpassed one billion monthly active users as it races OpenAI for market share.
▪Google's educational AI expansion is designed to compete directly with OpenAI and specialized education startups like Knowt and Gauth.