Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
TL;DR A new Tools icon could soon be added to the Gemini overlay, providing users with quick access to advanced features such as AI image generation, Veo videos, Deep Research, and Canvas, all without switching apps.
Gemini may also integrate a ‘Circle to Select’ feature within its overlay for screen-capturing context through circling gestures.
The sharing and download options for generated images could also be redesigned in the future.
Gemini, Google’s AI digital assistant, can be accessed on Android flagships through its app or through the overlay (which in turn can be triggered through a hotword or a button shortcut). The app is the primary way to access all of Gemini’s powerful features, but the overlay is inarguably easier to access since you can trigger it even when you are on third-party apps. Google could soon bring more of its powerful Gemini tools to the Gemini overlay, simplifying their access and increasing their adoption.
Tools button comes to the Gemini overlay Currently, within the Gemini app, you can access tools such as image generation, video generation through Veo, Deep Research, Canvas, and more by tapping the Tools icon (located next to the Plus icon on the left of the text input field).
AssembleDebug / Android Authority
Google app v16.40.18 includes code that adds this Tools icon to the Gemini overlay, which will make it easier to access all these options without opening the app. We managed to activate this ahead of its release to give you an early look:
As you can see, a new Tools icon has been added to the Gemini overlay. Tapping the Tools icon and then selecting any option shows the icon of the specific tool in the input box, after which you can proceed as usual with text or voice commands.
This change will make it significantly easier to use these tools without exiting your current app or opening the Gemini app, thereby increasing their adoption.
... continue reading