Google tests Gemini 4 Hydrogen, a fast and cheap AI model

Google is secretly testing a new AI model, Gemini 4 Hydrogen, designed for speed and efficiency, according to internal communications reported by Business Insider. The model is positioned as a faster, cheaper alternative to more powerful AI systems. An engineer described Hydrogen as "very functional, fast, and efficient," with employees accessing it via Google's internal Jetski platform, which typically precedes public releases. Testers compare it to Google's Flash series, known as cost-effective "workhorses" versus the premium Argon model. The news follows Google's recent launch of Gemini 4 Carbon and Argon, available by subscription, after canceling Gemini 3.5 Pro earlier this year. Hydrogen's future access model, paid or free, remains undetermined, though other Flash models are free in the Gemini app.