What you need to know
- After debuting the standalone Gemini app for Android, Google instead decided to build the AI chatbot into the regular Google app on iOS.
- Now Google is testing how Google’s Android app would work like the iOS version.
- The change brings a switch for users to easily switch between Google Search and Gemini, streamlining the experience.
Google launched its AI chatbot in a few different ways, starting with Bard and eventually rebranding as Gemini. However, even after moving to Gemini, the chatbot continued to appear on iOS and Android in different ways. Android users got the Gemini app, which could replace Google Assistant on their flagship phones, and iPhone users got access to Gemini through the existing Google app. Now, a leaked version of Google’s app aims to bring similar functionality to Android.
Android tipster AssembleDebug on X discovered an unreleased switch in the Google Android app that allows users to switch between Google Search and Gemini. This functionality is not publicly available yet, but AssembleDebug probably got it working after changing a few program tags. In a video shared by PiunikaWeb, we can see what Google’s Android app could look like in a future update after gaining native support for Gemini.
Google’s Android app will soon get a switch to switch between Gemini and Search [just like on iOS]📝 Read – https://t.co/eMgD2NxZKX#Google #Android pic.twitter.com/i19Msjb8wmApril 7, 2024
After opening the Google app, users will still be greeted with the main Google Search tab by default. This is also known as the “Discover” feed, which suggests articles and content from around the web. There will be a new switch in the top center of the screen that can switch between Google Search and Gemini. This makes a big difference in whether user queries are answered by search results or Gemini’s AI models. In addition to the change in functionality, the entire user interface of the Google app changes when you switch between Search and Gemini.
When you tap the Gemini icon at the top of the screen, the Google app transforms to mimic the standalone Gemini app. A text box for Gemini will be available, accepting both voice input and photo uploads, just like other instances of Gemini. The app will also provide examples of questions Gemini can answer and give you your recent chat history.
Google is testing Gemini in a few places so far, and recently added the chatbot to the beta version of Google Messages. It looks like the regular Google app will be the next to get Gemini functionality, giving Android users more ways to access the chatbot. At first glance, it may seem redundant on Android, given that there is a standalone Gemini app. However, using the Gemini app automatically replaces Google Assistant, and the Google app could serve as an alternative.
Unfortunately, this is not guaranteed. AssembleDebug told Android Authority that using Gemini in the Google app will continue to encourage Android users to replace Google Assistant with an AI chatbot.
We’re not sure when Gemini will be released publicly in the Google app, but it’s apparently in active development. Similar features have been available to a limited number of iOS users since the Gemini rebrand.