Over the past few years, Gemini has quietly replaced Google Assistant to become the default AI assistant on Android. Hence, it is no surprise that a staggering number of people interact with it daily. However, it also causes a major multi-tasking hindrance, as while interacting with Gemini, users need to stay on the Gemini overlay for it to work. However, that could change with a future update.
Google Will Soon Let Users Minimise Gemini as and When Needed
Folks over at Android Authority managed to get access to a future version of 17.30.26.sa.arm64 Google app, which is aimed at making Gemini work in the background without any hiccups. It now adds a new "Minimise Gemini" button in the overlay.
It is said to remain visible throughout the conversation and help users let Gemini work in the background while using their smartphones normally. This is a major addition to how Gemini works since the only time users are currently able to minimise Gemini is when it's processing data.
However, to get the output, users will still need to keep the Gemini overlay open in the foreground for the task to complete. Hence, the ability to minimise Gemini at will, although a small feature addition, can have major impacts on how users interact with the AI assistant and is a catalyst for multitasking.
Moreover, the same Google app version is also spotted with a new design for the account switcher UI in the Google and Gemini apps. It is aimed at better utilising the available space and creating a uniform design hierarchy throughout.
The design is now said to be more compact and replaces the large section profile photo and “Switch account” menu at the top with a streamlined single row UI that incorporates both items.
That said, it is unclear when these changes will roll out to Google and Gemini. Since the leaks are based on APK teardowns, there are chances of them not materialising at all. However, since the AI model is now a more advanced Gemini Intelligence, we do expect the tech giant to understandably bring these quality-of-life changes to its core AI soon.
