Google Revamps Gemini Assistant with New Floating Interfaces and Redesigned Overlays
Google is introducing multiple interface updates for its Gemini assistant across Android and iOS platforms. These changes include new floating and bubble-style UI elements for Gemini Live, a redesigned overlay for text-based prompts, and visual updates to the Gemini app on iOS. The updates are in various stages of rollout.
Gemini Live Floating Pill Interface
On Android, Gemini Live is transitioning from a fullscreen interface to a new floating pill design. This pill appears after a user exits the fullscreen Gemini Live view and can be accessed by activating the Gemini overlay and tapping the Live icon, or by opening the Gemini app and then navigating to the home screen.
The aim of this design is to prevent loss of the conversation when the overlay is dismissed.
- Functionality: The floating pill allows users to initiate camera or screen sharing, mute the microphone, and end a Live session. A keyboard icon within the pill allows switching to the text-based Gemini overlay. If a conversation is active, tapping the keyboard will stop the live session and open the text transcript.
- Visual Elements: The pill displays the Gemini Live waveform in the background, with text transcription above it. These visual elements can be toggled on or off from the top-right corner.
- Multitasking: When a user engages in other activities, the pill collapses into a movable circle. Tapping the circle expands it, and swiping down closes it. This feature is described as similar to a "chathead" or "Bubble" interface, allowing users to continue conversations while performing other tasks on the phone.
- Fullscreen Access: The original fullscreen interface remains accessible by reopening the Gemini application. Video sharing continues to use the full user interface.
This update is currently available on some devices running the stable version 17.3 of the Google app. The floating circle functionality is also being evaluated for use with computer interactions.
Gemini Overlay Redesign
Google has also updated the text-based Gemini overlay on Android.
- New Overlay Design: The overlay has been updated to integrate the attachment and Tools menus into a single interface. The design features a slightly narrower pill shape, an enlarged "Ask Gemini" prompt, and an outline-style microphone icon.
- Attachment Sheet: Activating the '+' button reveals a bottom sheet with a carousel at the top for options including Photos, Camera, Files, Drive, and Notebooks. Additional functionalities listed below this carousel include Create image, Create video, Create music, Canvas, Deep research, Guided learning, and Personal Intelligence.
- Minimization: A new "Minimize Gemini" button, observed in version 17.30.26.sa.arm64 of the Google app, allows users to shrink the overlay to a floating button, enabling other phone use while Gemini processes requests in the background. This button is available during conversations.
- Account Switcher: A redesigned account switcher UI is in testing for the Google and Gemini apps, placing the profile photo and "Switch account" option in a single, compact row.
As of the latest reports, these overlay redesigns are not yet available on the stable channel and have been observed in beta version 17.3 of the Google app.
Gemini App Redesign on iOS
A user on Reddit (TaxOld2989) shared an image of a redesigned Gemini app on iOS. The app features an animated, fluid backdrop that reacts to user interaction, replacing the current static UI. The design includes a '+' button that expands into a tool hub with options for images, camera input, music, canvas, deep research, guided learning, and uploads.
The visual style is described as incorporating "Liquid Glass" aesthetics with semi-transparent layers.
This redesign has been observed only on iOS and appears to be in a phased rollout.
Bubble Interface for Multitasking on Android
The Gemini overlay on Android has introduced a Bubble interface that appears after a user initiates a conversation. Tapping outside the floating response minimizes the overlay into a Bubble displaying the Gemini spark logo. Tapping the Bubble restores the full overlay and allows the user to continue the chat. This feature mirrors the function of Gemini Live's floating waveform circle and is designed to allow users to maintain a conversation with Gemini while performing other tasks. This feature has been reported on the Android 17 QPR1 Beta.