Why this simple Gemini background update changes how I use my phone
We can complain about AI all day, but the fact of the matter is that most of us use it on a daily basis.
A new Gemini feature hides deep inside the code of the latest Google app. | Image by Google
We can argue about AI all day, but the fact of the matter is that most of us use it on a daily basis. I use Gemini to help me find deals on guitars and compare them, for example. Now, with the latest update that's coming Gemini's way, I think I'm going to use Google's AI even more.
Our friends and colleagues at Android Authority found a way to enable this upcoming feature while messing around with the latest version of the Google app.
The APK teardown treatment revealed a new Gemini overlay feature that Google is apparently working on.
The feature is pretty much self-explanatory — when you ask a question or give Gemini a command, you'll be able to minimize the AI agent to a floating action button and keep using your phone, while the bot is working on your request.
The guys from Android Authority recorded their experience with the yet-to-be-released features. At the moment, the overlay stays active, and you can't do anything else with your phone, but the intent is clear.
There was another hint a couple of months ago, when a leak showed Google was working on a minimize button for the Gemini overlay.
If this new feature rolls out soon, it could be a massive quality-of-life improvement for many Gemini users and a boost for multitaskers as well.
Even though the writing's on the wall for these new Gemini features, there's no word or hint at a possible rollout.
Google is testing these experimental features all the time, and some of them never see the light of day. Fingers crossed this one rolls out sooner rather than later.
New Gemini overlay feature is coming
Our friends and colleagues at Android Authority found a way to enable this upcoming feature while messing around with the latest version of the Google app.
The APK teardown treatment revealed a new Gemini overlay feature that Google is apparently working on.
The feature is pretty much self-explanatory — when you ask a question or give Gemini a command, you'll be able to minimize the AI agent to a floating action button and keep using your phone, while the bot is working on your request.
Would you use Gemini more if you were able to minimize it and kept using your phone?
35 Votes
Gemini overlay in action
The guys from Android Authority recorded their experience with the yet-to-be-released features. At the moment, the overlay stays active, and you can't do anything else with your phone, but the intent is clear.
There was another hint a couple of months ago, when a leak showed Google was working on a minimize button for the Gemini overlay.
If this new feature rolls out soon, it could be a massive quality-of-life improvement for many Gemini users and a boost for multitaskers as well.
Read more about new and exciting Gemini features here:
No public release in sight
Even though the writing's on the wall for these new Gemini features, there's no word or hint at a possible rollout.
Google is testing these experimental features all the time, and some of them never see the light of day. Fingers crossed this one rolls out sooner rather than later.
What do you think about it? Would you use Gemini more if you were able to minimize it and kept using your phone?
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