Google Rolls Out a New Gemini Overlay Panel on Android

What to know

• Gemini gets a new floating overlay panel for Gemini on Android devices.
• The panel allows contextual understanding of on-screen content and responds within apps.
• A new “Ask about this video” chip replaces the previous “Ask about this screen” prompt when invoking Gemini to query YouTube videos.

Google is rolling out a new floating overlay panel for its AI assistant Gemini on Android devices. This update aims to make the Gemini experience more seamless and user-friendly, and comes only days after the big Gemini Live announcement.

If you’ve got the new panel feature, you’ll notice a subtle glow animation when Gemini is activated. This visual cue helps users know when the AI assistant is ready to help, or if the new feature is even available to them.

One of the key improvements is Gemini’s ability to better comprehend what’s on the user’s screen, allowing for more relevant assistance. This means Gemini can provide help right in the overlay panel without your having to switch between apps.

With the update, instead of taking over the entire screen, the AI now delivers responses within a hovering panel in the current app. This design change helps users stay focused on their tasks while still benefiting from Gemini’s assistance.

For those who prefer a full-screen experience, the option is still available. Users can expand the overlay to full screen by tapping on the top-right corner of the panel.

Another notable addition is the new “Ask about this video” chip. You will now see this new chip appear instead of the previous “Ask about this screen” prompt that appears when you invoke Gemini in YouTube. This way, you can ask your questions or request summaries about the video directly while watching.

The update also includes better integration of Gemini’s image generation capabilities. This is expected to enhance the overall functionality of the AI assistant, allowing you to generate images and drag and drop them to different apps.

The feature isn’t rolled out widely yet. Butt users should expect to see the updates in the coming weeks, regardless of whether they have a regular Gemini account or a Gemini Advanced subscription.