🎧 Stop Paying For AI! These 30+ Google Tools Are FREE (Part 2)

I. Introduction: Beyond the App Builders

Welcome to Part 2 of our deep dive into Google's free AI ecosystem.

In Part 1, we explored the creative side: how to build your own mini-apps in Gemini Canvas, develop advanced tools in AI Studio and experiment with hidden gems like Pomelli and Opal. You also saw some of Gemini’s secret powers in action, from video analysis to data visualization and personalized “Gems.”

Now it’s time for the other side of the story: the tools built for thinking, researching and real-time learning.

This part uncovers Google’s best AI features for research and productivity.

Spoiler: There are many hidden tools you use every day but you don’t know about their hidden features.

II. Deep Research: Agentic Information Gathering

The "Deep Research" feature in Gemini is an advanced search model. This is a key concept. It means it doesn't just answer once and stop. It actively searches, cross-references and synthesizes information over time to build a comprehensive answer as a powerful Google AI tool for information gathering.

1. How It Works

You give it a research question or topic. Instead of a quick, one-shot answer, Deep Research:

• Searches across multiple sources: It looks at academic papers, articles, reports and websites.

• Cross-checks information: It verifies claims and data points across those sources.

• Synthesizes findings: It intelligently connects related information.

• Returns a comprehensive report: The output feels less like a chat answer and more like a structured literature review.

2. The Output

The output from Deep Research is fundamentally different. You'll get a structured document with:

• An executive summary.

• Key findings organized by theme.

• Source citations for its claims.

• Notes on any conflicting information it found.

• Suggested areas for further exploration.

3. When to Use It

This feature is typically part of the Gemini Advanced subscription. You should use it for topics where you need a deep, comprehensive understanding, not just quick facts. This Google AI tool is perfect for:

• Market research.

• Competitive analysis.

• Academic background for a paper.

• Strategic planning.

III. NotebookLM: Research That Actually Sticks

If Deep Research is good, NotebookLM (notebooklm.google.com) is, in my personal opinion, exceptional. This Google AI tool has become one of my favorite and most-used tools and it's completely free.

1. What Makes It So Special?

NotebookLM isn't a chatbot. It's a private AI research workspace. It lets you create "notebooks" where you can upload up to 50 sources on any topic.

• Multimodal Support: You can upload PDFs (with images), text files, Google Docs, website links and even YouTube videos (it automatically transcribes them).

• Massive Context: It can handle up to 25 million words of source material.

• RAG-Based Retrieval (This is the key): Instead of just "knowing" things, NotebookLM uses RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation). It searches your specific sources to find answers and then provides clickable citations showing you exactly where it got the information. This allows you to verify every single fact. "Trust but verify".

2. Why This Matters for Learning

The combination of multimodal inputs, citation-based answers and its "transformation" features makes information actually stick. You're not just passively reading; you're actively engaging.

3. Transformation Features

Once your sources are loaded, NotebookLM can instantly turn them into:

• Quizzes: Test your understanding of the material.

• Flashcards: Create study aids for spaced repetition.

• Video Overviews: Generate a visual explanation of your notes.

• Reports: Create structured documents from all your research.

• Mind Maps: Get a visual map of how all the concepts connect.

• Podcast Mode: This is the most mind-blowing feature.

4. Podcast Mode: Your Personal Interactive Tutors

This deserves its own section. NotebookLM can generate a podcast where two AI hosts discuss your research material in a natural, engaging conversation. It's like having two experts break down your notes for you.

But here's the killer feature: you can "call into" the podcast and ask questions in real-time. This interactive capability makes it a unique Google AI tool for learning.

Here is a real example of an exchange:

• [Podcast plays, discussing Retrieval-Augmented Generation]

• Host 1: "...and that's where vector databases come in".

• Host 2: "Oh, wait. It looks like someone wants to join".

• You (the user): "Can you explain how vector databases work in simple terms?"

• Host 1: "Oh, that's a great question. That's the core component of RAG".

• Host 2: "Think of a vector database less like a traditional database with rows and columns. Instead, think of it as a specialized address book... but for ideas".

• Host 1: "An address book for meaning. Precisely".

The hosts respond to you naturally, stay in character and then seamlessly continue their original discussion. This is an incredible learning method because you see the notes, hear the concepts discussed and interact with your questions. This hits multiple learning modalities at once and information retention skyrockets.

IV. Voice Mode with Vision: Your Multimodal Assistant

Gemini's voice mode, especially on mobile, goes way beyond simple transcription. This Google AI tool can see what you're showing it through your camera and respond in a real-time conversation, acting as a multimodal Google AI tool.

1. Example: Smartwatch Analysis

I tested this by pointing my phone's camera at my smartwatch.

• Me: "What do you think of these?"

• Gemini: "Those watches are really popular! They have a lot of great features. Is there anything specific you'd like to know about them?"

• Me: "Yeah, could you research this watch for me?"

• Gemini: "That's a great question! The Galaxy Watch 4 is definitely a solid watch but its value for 2025 really depends on what you're looking for. It still offers good fitness tracking and smart features but it's not eligible for the latest software updates. Are you interested in the latest technology or are you more focused on getting good value for your money?"

2. The Power of Real-Time Interaction

The model read the detailed nutritional label, processed the ingredient list and provided advice based on the situation, all through a natural voice conversation. You can use this Google AI tool for countless other applications:

• Cooking: Show it the ingredients in your fridge and ask for recipe suggestions.

• Shopping: Point it at two products and ask for a visual comparison.

• Translation: Point your camera at a sign in a foreign language.

• Problem-solving: Show it a broken piece of furniture and ask for repair guidance.

This makes Gemini feel much more like an actual assistant you're working with, rather than a chat interface you're just typing into.

V. AI Studio Advanced Features

For those who want to get "under the hood", AI Studio offers more capabilities for power users.

1. Side-by-Side Model Comparison

You can test the same prompt across multiple Gemini models simultaneously (e.g., Pro vs. Flash) to see which one gives you the best results for your specific use case.

2. Temperature Controls

You get a slider to adjust how creative vs. consistent the AI's responses are.

• Low Temperature (e.g., 0.1): Predictable, consistent, "boring" answers. Good for factual tasks.

• High Temperature (e.g., 0.9): Maximum creativity but less predictable. Good for brainstorming.

3. Token Usage Tracking

You can see the real-time token consumption of your prompts, which is helpful for optimizing costs if you're building an app.

4. Stream Realtime: Screen Sharing with Live Guidance

This is one of the coolest and most practical features. You can share your screen while talking to Gemini and it will provide real-time, step-by-step assistance.

• Example: Learning Canva

  • User: [Shares Canva screen] "How do I remove the background on this design?"

  • Gemini: "To remove the background from one of the design elements in Canva, first click on the element you want to change. Then, look for…"

  • User: "Okay, so I see the bar up here after I click on the background but I don't see any option called “remove background”?"

  • Gemini: "Ah, I see. It looks like you've clicked on the background of the slide itself, not one of the individual elements…"

  • User: "That worked pretty well. Thank you".

  • Gemini: “You are very welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with in your Canva editing?"

This is literally like having an expert watching over your shoulder, guiding you through unfamiliar software. This is an incredible Google AI tool for learning and troubleshooting or getting design feedback.

VI. AI Integration in Traditional Google Products (The "Hidden" AI)

Google has also baked AI deeply into the products you probably use every single day. Many people haven't even noticed these powerful new features.

1. Google Search: AI Mode

Beyond the AI Overview summaries, you can click into full AI mode. This lets you have an extended conversation about your search topic. You can ask it to compare products, dig into complex questions or explore topics conversationally without having to open dozens of tabs.

2. Google Lens + Gemini

This is the "point-and-ask" interface for the real world. You can point your phone's camera at anything and ask follow-up questions:

• Products: "Where can I buy this cheaper?"

• Plants: "What kind of care does this need?"

• Math problems: "Solve this and explain the steps".

• Foreign text: "Translate this and tell me more about it".

3. Gmail AI Features

• Smart Replies: The quick response suggestions.

• Help me write: Draft full emails from short prompts ("write a polite email turning down this invitation").

• Thread Summarization: Condenses long, 20-email chains into the key points.

• Contextual Search: You can search by description, not just keywords (e.g., "find my hotel reservation from June in Chicago").

(Note: Some of the most advanced Gmail AI features may require a paid Google Workspace plan but the core features are often free.)

4. Google Sheets AI

This makes advanced spreadsheet features accessible to everyone.

• Template Generation: "Create a budget tracker for my freelance business". It will build a full template with formulas already in place.

• Formula Generation: You don't need to learn the syntax. Just describe what you want: "Create a formula to get the average of column C but only for rows where column A says 'Sales'".

5. Google Docs AI

• Writing Assistance: Standard AI writing help (summarize, rewrite, etc.).

• Drive File References: This is a big one. You can be in a doc and type "@" to pull in context from another document in your Google Drive (e.g., "Write a paragraph based on @My Research Notes").

• Tone Adjustments: Make your text more formal, casual, concise or detailed.

6. Google Meet AI

• Noise Cancellation: Automatically removes background noise.

• Live Captions & Translation: Provides real-time transcription and translation.

• Meeting Summaries: Auto-generates notes and action items after your calls. This alone can replace many paid meeting assistant tools.

7. Google Vids

This is a new hybrid tool, somewhere between Google Slides and a video editor. It's designed for business communication. You can:

• Record your screen and camera.

• Cut clips together.

• Generate slides dynamically.

• Add Veo (Google's video generation AI) clips.

• Include AI avatars to narrate your slides. It's like having a presentation tool, video editor and AI generator all in one.

VII. Conclusion: Google's AI is Everywhere

Here's what makes Google's approach so remarkable and powerful:

1. Breadth of Capabilities: They have leading, free models in every AI category: text (Gemini), video (Veo), image editing (Nano Banana), research (NotebookLM) and coding (AI Studio).

2. Deep Integration: The AI isn't just a separate tool; it's woven throughout the entire ecosystem you already use (Search, Gmail, Docs, Meet) in genuinely useful ways.

3. Multiple Access Points: Whether you want a simple chat (Gemini), a no-code app builder (Canvas/Opal), an experimental lab (Google Labs) or an integrated productivity suite (Workspace), there's a Google AI tool for your specific needs.

4. It's (Almost All) Free: Almost everything I've mentioned in this guide is completely free. Some of the most advanced features are part of Gemini Advanced but the core capabilities that replace dozens of paid tools are accessible to everyone right now.

5. The Underutilized Potential: Most people using Google products every day haven't discovered half of these capabilities yet.

The limitation isn't access or cost anymore. The only limitation is your own knowledge and will to start. The tools are there, they're free and they're powerful.

The question is whether you'll explore beyond the search box to discover which Google AI tool is already waiting for you.

If you are interested in other topics and how AI is transforming different aspects of our lives or even in making money using AI with more detailed, step-by-step guidance, you can find our other articles here:

• How To Master 90% of Building AI Agents in 30 Minutes*

• Notion 3.0 Isn't a Note App. It's A Full AI "Operating System"

• The End Of Paid AI Tools? (This Free Stack Is A Contender)*

• Prompt Engineering Is Dead. The New Skill Is Context Engineering

• How To Do Voice Cloning For FREE Without An Internet Connection

  *indicates a premium content, if any