Google Gemini, the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, may reportedly be updated with a new feature. If the leaked details about the new feature are correct, Android smartphone users will soon be able to access the AI-powered Gemini assistant while keeping other apps open. Interestingly, the feature will reportedly work even when the smartphone’s screen is off. Called Gemini Live, the feature was first unveiled at Google I/O 2024 as part of the company’s Project Astra, and is expected to arrive later this year.
Google is developing a new feature ‘Gemini Live’
9to5Google spotted code strings related to the feature while decompiling the latest beta version of Google’s app (version 15.27) for Android smartphones. The string mentions ‘background mode’ and describes the functionality as being able to “continue live chats while using other apps or while your screen is locked.”
The publication believes the string refers to Gemini Live, a feature first mentioned at Google I/O 2024. At the event, Google described it as a two-way conversation feature where users can have a free dialogue with artificial intelligence.
This feature, which is being developed by Google DeepMind under the Project Astra banner, appears to be similar to the GPT-4o real-time speech feature. Although OpenAI has confirmed the delay of the speech feature, Google’s feature is expected to arrive later this year. This feature will only be available to Gemini Advanced subscribers.
During the demo, the feature’s interface was shown to be similar to a phone call screen, with a pause and end button located at the bottom. Users will get 10 different voices for Gemini to choose from. Users can also interrupt the AI mid-conversation and it will adjust based on what is said next.
In order to use the Gemini Live feature while the screen is locked, users will reportedly need to enable the setting first. During a call, users can say ‘Stop’ to end the call. A persistent notification is also displayed separately, which can also be used to end the call, the publication said.
This feature is currently being developed for Android smartphones. It is not known if the feature will be available on desktop or in the iOS app in the future.
