A new design update is changing how users interact with Gemini Live on Android, moving it beyond its earlier full-screen-only format. Since launch, Gemini Live has mainly worked in full screen. Google is now rolling out a floating pill-style interface that mirrors the Gemini overlay used for text prompts. Earlier, exiting the full-screen view only showed a small pill indicator in the status bar using standard Android controls.
The new floating pill can be opened in 2 ways. Users can activate the Gemini overlay and tap the Live icon on the right. They can also open the Gemini app, start the full-screen Gemini Live mode, and then exit to the home screen.
The floating pill allows users to share their camera or screen, mute the microphone, and end Live sessions. If no conversation has started, the keyboard option switches to the Gemini overlay. If a conversation is active, tapping the keyboard stops Live and opens the text transcript instead.
The pill shows the Gemini Live waveform in the background, with text transcription displayed above it. Both can be turned on or off from the top-right corner of the interface.
When users move to another app, the floating pill shrinks into a movable circle. It can be dragged anywhere on the screen, tapped to expand, or swiped down to close, similar to a chathead.
The full-screen interface is still available by reopening the Gemini app. Video sharing continues to use the full-screen layout.
For now, the update has only appeared on 1 device, but it is showing up with the stable version 17.3 of the Google app. A major Gemini Live model update is expected soon, and this design change likely comes with it.
The floating circle design may be especially useful during computer-based interactions. Google’s earlier demo of Project Astra showed a similar interface style.
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