Gemini Live gains floating UI to run apps in background

Google tests a sleeker Gemini Live floating UI with cross app cards and background app switching

Gemini Live gains floating interface to run apps in background

Google is testing upgrades to Gemini Live's floating interface. An APK teardown of version 16.32.48 shows a sleeker overlay that can display contextual cards from Keep, Maps, Calendar and Tasks, helping users see information without leaving their current app. The new design aims to let you resize Gemini Live and continue your task in the background, rather than fully returning to the main Gemini chat.

The changes are not yet live in public releases, but they align with Google's plan to shift Gemini to be the default Android assistant by year end. The floating UI would make it easier to switch back and forth between apps while Gemini Live provides real time information and cross app information exchange.

If Google can make the floating UI practical, Gemini Live could reshape multitasking on Android. The emphasis on context cards means the assistant becomes a lightweight helper that lives with apps, not on top of them.

But there are risks. A space saving interface can be a distraction if it nudges users to interact more than needed or exposes sensitive information too soon. The feature also puts pressure on app developers to support extensions more robustly and could complicate user privacy expectations as cross app data flows increase.

Highlights

Time will tell whether this space saving approach sticks with users.