Google Gemini Live on Android Redesigned: Embracing a Floating Pill Interface

Google is rolling out a significant redesign for Gemini Live on Android, shifting its initial fullscreen experience to a new, more integrated floating pill format. This update moves away from the previous method, where exiting the fullscreen Gemini Live interface would merely display a pill-shaped indicator in the status bar, utilizing standard Android phone controls.

The updated design introduces a floating pill that visually aligns with the existing Gemini overlay used for text prompts, aiming for a more cohesive user experience.

"The updated design introduces a floating pill that visually aligns with the existing Gemini overlay used for text prompts, aiming for a more cohesive user experience."

Accessing the New Interface

Users can access this new floating pill through two primary methods:

• By activating the Gemini overlay and then tapping the Live icon situated on the right side.
• By opening the Gemini application, launching the traditional fullscreen Gemini Live UI, and subsequently exiting to the device's homescreen.

Functionality of the Floating Pill

This innovative floating pill provides immediate controls for several key actions, including initiating camera or screen sharing, muting the microphone, and terminating a Live session.

Its behavior adapts based on the session's status:

• If a conversation has not yet begun, the keyboard within the pill allows for a seamless switch to the Gemini overlay for text input.
• If a conversation is active, tapping the pill will stop the Live session and promptly open the text transcript for review.

Visuals and Interaction

The floating container prominently displays the Gemini Live waveform in the background, with the real-time text transcription appearing directly above it. Both of these visual elements can be toggled on or off from the top-right corner of the pill.

"Should a user engage in other activities on their phone, the pill will collapse into a movable circle that can be repositioned on the screen."

For enhanced multitasking, should a user engage in other activities on their phone, the pill will collapse into a movable circle that can be repositioned anywhere on the screen. Tapping this circle expands it back to its full pill form, while a downward swipe functions to close it entirely, akin to a chathead interface. The original fullscreen interface remains accessible by simply reopening the Gemini application, and video sharing continues to leverage this full user interface.

Rollout and Future Outlook

The rollout of this redesign has been observed on specific devices running the stable Google app version 17.3. This interface update is anticipated to coincide with a significant model update for Gemini Live. Furthermore, the functionality of the floating circle may extend to computer use interactions, drawing parallels to similar interfaces demonstrated in Project Astra.