Redesign of Gemini homepage and prompt bar on Android: What's Changed Now
In a recent development, Google's AI-powered tool, Gemini, has received a significant update on Android devices. The update aims to provide a more polished and user-friendly interface, with a focus on usability and brand cohesion with Google's signature colour palette.
The new design introduces a four-color glow animation overlay, replacing the previous blue-purple glow. The animation features red, yellow, green, and blue colours, and appears at launch with all four colours, before predominantly shifting to blue for a lighter interface. Additionally, the voice input microphone ring has been changed to a light blue. The Gemini icon has also been updated to a rounded design, which is now widely available on Android and iOS home screens.
Accessing Gemini has been made easier with the addition of a small handle on the overlay card, triggered by the power button. Users can drag this handle to reveal the app in full screen, although it disappears once voice input starts.
The update also extends Gemini's integration with various apps, including Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, Spotify, Utilities, Calendar, Tasks, and Keep. This allows Gemini to connect with these everyday apps for calls, messages, music, device control, and more.
Other functional improvements include scheduled actions, improved Gemini Live with captions, and multimodal capabilities, all of which enhance the overall interactive and assistive experience linked to Gemini across devices.
The update also brings about changes in the navigation of Gemini's tools. Users can now find these tools beside the familiar 'plus' (+) button. The features like Canvas and Deep Research are now found in a new "Tools" bottom sheet.
The update is currently showing up on select accounts as a Google app beta. Some features, like the revamped navigation drawer, have not yet hit the stable version.
The Gemini app has reached a milestone of 450 million monthly active users globally, with India having the highest number of users. The app's versatility is showcased through its grouping of functionalities under three clear sections: Write, Build, and Research.
Tap 'Write' to get prompts for tasks like writing a thank-you note or summarising a book like Catch-22 for kids. Tap 'Deep search' for deeper queries like planning a foodie trip to Japan or comparing family phone plans. Tap 'Build' for fun project ideas like creating a fireworks generator or a photography portfolio website.
Himani Jha, a tech news writer at the platform, has been instrumental in contributing to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech. Himani, who enjoys indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music, is also passionate about smartphones and consumer technology. When not immersed in gadgets, Himani enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants.
Recently, Google introduced Gemini Drops, a new page that highlights the latest features and experiments. This update to Gemini is a testament to Google's commitment to continuously improving and innovating its AI tools to better serve its users.
- Himani Jha, a tech news writer, is passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, frequently contributing articles to leading publications like Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech.
- The recent update to Google's AI-powered tool, Gemini, showcases technology innovation, introducing a four-color glow animation and expanding integration with various apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, Spotify, Utilities, Calendar, Tasks, and Keep.
