Google is letting staff test a 'fast' new Gemini AI model named Hydrogen

Google is testing a new fast AI model named Hydrogen internally, according to a leaked internal message. The model, which is described as very capable, fast, and efficient, is part of Google's Gemini 4 era. The new model, named after the lightest element in the periodic table, was seen as a way for Google to stay ahead in the race for the most advanced AI models.

Following the release of Gemini 4 Argon and Carbon models, Google has been testing Hydrogen internally using its development platform, Jetski. Staff members were given access to Hydrogen in Jetski, which often precedes a public launch. An employee who has used Hydrogen compared it to Google's previous Flash models, which are designed to be faster and more cost-effective than other models like Argon.

After Google delayed and then canceled the release of Gemini 3.5 Pro earlier this year, the company has since launched Gemini 4, with the latest frontier model being Gemini 4 Carbon. Both Carbon and Argon are currently limited to paying users, and it remains unclear whether Hydrogen, if released, would be a paid or free offering.