Google Gemini Live Gains Floating Window Design on Android

Google's voice AI assistant Gemini Live is being updated with a significant user interface innovation for Android users. Previously offering a full-screen experience, the feature can now be used via a floating, movable 'pill'-shaped window on the screen.

New Interface and Ease of Use

The new design allows users to perform other tasks on their phones while using Gemini Live. When exiting full-screen mode, a pill-shaped indicator compatible with Android's existing phone controls appears at the edge of the screen. This floating window visually aligns with the Gemini overlay used for text queries.

How to Access and Core Features

Users can reach the new interface via two different paths: by activating the Gemini overlay and tapping the Live icon on the right, or by opening the Gemini app, launching the full-screen interface, and then returning to the home screen. The floating window houses basic controls such as starting camera or screen sharing, muting the microphone, and ending the Live session.

If a conversation hasn't been started yet, you can switch to the Gemini overlay via the keyboard. Otherwise, the Live session is stopped and the text transcript opens. While the Gemini Live waveform is displayed in the background, the text transcription is located at the top. These features can be toggled on and off with the controls in the top right corner.

Multitasking and Future Updates

When the user performs another task on their phone, the floating pill transforms into a circle that can be moved around the screen. It can be tapped to expand or swiped down like a chat bubble to close. This innovation does not eliminate the full-screen interface; users can return to full-screen mode anytime by reopening the Gemini app. Video sharing still continues to use the full user interface.

The update is reported to have started rolling out with the stable version (17.3) of the Google app. Industry observers predict this interface change could accompany a major anticipated Gemini Live model update. The floating circle design is thought to be particularly useful during computer usage interactions. A similar interface was demoed for Google's previously announced Project Astra as well.

This interface update is considered part of Google's efforts to make its AI assistant more integrated and useful. Following moves by competitors, such as OpenAI announcing a macOS app for its Codex platform, the company is observed to be focusing on improving the user experience within its own ecosystem.