Google's AI assistant Gemini is receiving significant updates across multiple platforms, enhancing user experience and expanding its reach throughout the Google ecosystem. These updates represent Google's continued push to integrate its conversational AI technology more deeply into everyday devices, from smartphones to cars and wearables.
Android App Redesign Brings Tools Front and Center
Google is rolling out a redesigned prompt bar for the Gemini app on Android devices, transforming the traditional pill-shaped input area into a larger, rectangular container with rounded edges. This redesign isn't merely aesthetic—it strategically brings powerful features like Deep Research, Canvas, and Video (Veo 2) directly into the prompt bar, making these tools more accessible to users.
The updated interface organizes Gemini's capabilities more efficiently, with the attachment menu now focused solely on media inputs from Camera, Gallery, Files, and Drive. Meanwhile, the three-dot menu provides quick access to specialized tools, each accompanied by a brief description of its functionality. The microphone icon for voice input and Gemini Live remain prominently placed within the prompt bar for easy access.
While these changes are currently limited to beta versions of the Google app on Android, they're already live on Gemini apps for iOS and iPadOS, suggesting a wider Android rollout may be imminent.
Key Gemini UI Changes on Android:
- Redesigned prompt bar (rectangular with rounded edges)
- Tools like Deep Research, Canvas, and Video accessible directly from prompt bar
- Streamlined attachment menu (Camera, Gallery, Files, Drive)
- Redesigned model picker
- Microphone and Gemini Live icons remain in prompt bar
Gemini Expanding to WearOS Smartwatches
In a significant platform expansion, Google has announced that Gemini will be coming to WearOS smartwatches later this year. This integration will enable users to leverage Gemini's conversational capabilities directly from their wrists, without needing their phones nearby.
The hands-free assistance could prove particularly valuable in situations where phone access is impractical—such as when cooking with messy hands or during intense workouts. By bringing its advanced AI assistant to wearables, Google is positioning Gemini as an essential companion across all personal devices.
Gemini Platform Expansion Timeline:
- Android app redesign: Currently in beta
- WearOS integration: Coming later this year
- Android Auto: Coming in the coming months
- Google TV: Coming later this year
- Android XR (with Samsung): Launching with Samsung's first headset later this year
Enhanced Driving Experience with Android Auto Integration
Android Auto users will soon benefit from Gemini's capabilities as Google replaces the current Google Assistant with its more advanced AI. This upgrade promises to deliver more natural, conversational assistance while driving, enabling complex queries that would challenge traditional voice assistants.
Practical applications include finding specific destinations through detailed descriptions (like locating a charging station on the way to the post office that's also near a park), summarizing incoming text messages, and even providing translations on the go. Gemini's multi-turn conversation abilities also allow drivers to engage in discussions about current events or receive personalized news digests without taking their hands off the wheel.
Google indicates that Gemini will arrive on Android Auto in the coming months, with support for cars featuring Google built-in following shortly thereafter.
Television and Extended Reality Integrations
Google's AI expansion extends to the living room, with Gemini scheduled to arrive on Google TV later this year. Beyond standard assistant functions, the TV implementation will help viewers find content matching specific criteria through natural language requests.
Perhaps most forward-looking is Google's collaboration with Samsung on a new platform combining Gemini with Android XR (extended reality). This integration will debut on Samsung's upcoming XR headset and promises to surround users with helpful content while providing Gemini's advanced assistance in immersive environments. Google has indicated this platform will support future devices including headsets and smart glasses, positioning Gemini at the forefront of emerging XR technologies.
These comprehensive updates across Android devices, wearables, automotive systems, televisions, and XR platforms demonstrate Google's commitment to making Gemini the universal AI assistant across its entire ecosystem, creating a consistent, intelligent interface regardless of which Google-powered device users interact with.