Google Messages could reportedly introduce a faster way for you to chat with Gemini – the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. While a similar feature currently exists in the messaging app, it takes a few steps before you can start chatting. This development was reportedly found in the beta version of the app. With this feature, Google is reportedly simplifying the process through a new floating action button (FAB) that could be available in the Messages app.
Gemini FAB in Google Messages
Android Authority, in collaboration with tipster Assemble Debug, reported that a new FAB for Gemini was spotted in an APK teardown of the Google Messages app version messages.android_20240610_01_RC00. Apparently a floating button appears above the option to start a conversation.
Gemini FAB in Google Messages
Photo credit: AssembleDebug/Android Authority
To immediately open a Gemini chat window, users must start a new chat and then select the ‘Gemini’ option. According to Google, this feature is not available in India. Since FAB is in development, it may eliminate the extra step required to run an AI chatbot. Instead, users could tap the Gemini option and chat instantly.
Gemini integration with Google Messages was first reported in March, but it only started rolling out in multiple regions last month. Regions like India, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area (EEA) were excluded from the update.
The report speculates that the feature isn’t even available to beta testers yet, and there’s no information on a timeline for its rollout. Namely, the features observed in the APK teardown are usually for testing purposes only and may not make it to the final version of the app.
Edit RCS messages
On May 30, Google announced seven new features for Android, including the ability to edit RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages. This feature is reportedly available through Google Messages.
Google said users can tap and hold on a sent RCS message to edit it. A new edit icon will be displayed on the top banner. Sent messages can be edited for up to 15 minutes, the company adds.
