Google adds Gemini 4 Hydrogen model to Search, boosting speed and visual responses

Google said the Gemini 4 Hydrogen model is now available globally in Search, providing faster answers, deeper intent understanding and richer visual and language responses. The update is intended to improve query fan-out, linking to a broader set of relevant sites and to handle more complex, multi-part questions.

"Today, Search is getting a massive upgrade with Gemini 4 Hydrogen! It’s the biggest model improvement to Search yet," said Nick Fox of Google on X.

"The biggest model upgrade to Search yet has landed. Gemini 4 Hydrogen is here, and brings cutting-edge intelligence to all Search users," said Robby Stein of Google on X.

Google described the changes as including better handling of nuanced queries, simultaneous sub-topic searches, more adaptive visual results such as images, tables and custom tools, and improved language support across all AI Mode languages. The company noted that the new model is now the default in AI Mode and is used for the most challenging questions in AI Overviews.

The rollout follows an earlier release of Gemini 4 Carbon for paid subscribers earlier in the week.