GoKawiil
Tech News
Code strings in Google app version 17.73.15 reveal an upcoming offline mode for Gemini Live that requires users to first set it up while connected to the internet. Once active, the offline mode will run with 'limited features,' and users will be prompted to reconnect for full functionality.
Samsung has released its new Galaxy Buds On earbuds and Galaxy SmartTag 3 item tracker in the United States. The Buds On, priced at $229.99, feature a clip-on design, TwinBoost speakers, head-gesture controls, and Gemini Live voice access, with up to 9.5 hours of battery life. The SmartTag 3 costs $29.99 for a single unit or $99.99 for a four-pack, and comes in a slimmer, lighter design than earlier models.
Android Authority found hidden strings in the Google app (v17.71.17) referencing an 'Offline mode' for Gemini Live, with subtitle text reading 'Use Gemini Live without an internet connection.' The feature appears tied to the account switcher menu based on its naming, but it is not yet live for users.
Samsung has released its Galaxy Buds On, open-ear clip-style earbuds that support Gemini Live voice commands and head gestures for answering or declining calls. The buds use Samsung's proprietary SSC and SSC UHQ Bluetooth codecs for high-resolution audio on compatible Galaxy devices, offer up to 9.5 hours of battery life plus 38 hours from the case, run on Bluetooth 6.2, and carry an IP54 dust/water-resistance rating.
Samsung's first open-ear earbuds, the Galaxy Buds On, launched in Korea and will arrive in the US on November 6 priced at $229. The clip-style buds wrap around the ear without sealing the ear canal, offer up to 9.5 hours of battery life, wireless charging, and Gemini Live support, but lack ANC and Bluetooth multipoint, and come in one size and color.
Android Authority uncovered a new Gemini Live interface hidden in version 17.70.10.ve.arm64 of the Google app, replacing the current pill-shaped audio visualizer with a circular button surrounded by animated dots and a glowing blue background. The design appears to extend Google's previously spotted 'Neural Expressive' visual style, which features gradients and animated elements, into the Gemini Live voice assistant. The feature is still under development, showing visual glitches, and Google has not indicated a rollout timeline.
Google has added a new Map tool to the Gemini app, currently available only on Android and iOS mobile versions. The tool shows users' location on a live map with zoom and search functions, and an 'Explore this area' button that adds map data to prompts. Separately, a beta version of the Google app is replacing the forward-slash shortcut with an @ symbol for accessing skills and connectors.
Samsung has released the Galaxy Buds On, its first open-ear clip-on earbuds, exclusively in South Korea on October 27 in black for 299,000 won (about $220). The earbuds use a TwinBoost speaker system to boost bass and reduce sound leakage, plus automatic volume adjustment, touch controls, and voice isolation for calls. Samsung says a wider global rollout will follow but has not shared dates, regions, or pricing.
Google has rolled out Guided Vision, a new Gemini Live capability that lets blind and low-vision users share their phone camera and receive real-time spoken descriptions of their surroundings. The feature can also verbally direct users to reposition the camera, such as panning or stepping back, to get a clearer view. It works on Android 9 and newer in regions where Gemini Live is supported, and was developed with input from accessibility group Aira's Trusted Tester network.
Google has rolled out Guided Vision, a feature in Gemini Live that uses AI to give real-time audio descriptions of whatever a user points their phone camera at, including reading small text and identifying objects. It's available through the Gemini app, Google TalkBack, or as an accessibility shortcut on devices running Android 9 and above, and supports follow-up questions about what's being viewed.
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Buds On, its first open-ear, clip-on wireless earbuds, alongside the US launch of the Galaxy Tab S12 and SmartTag 3. The earbuds feature TwinBoost speakers, automatic volume adjustment, audio leakage reduction, and up to 9.5 hours of battery life, plus Galaxy AI tools like Gemini Live access and head-gesture controls. They go on sale in Korea on October 27 for 299,000 won, with a global release expected later.
Android Authority found new elements activated in version 17.62.9 of the Google app, including a selector to toggle the Gemini overlay between standard Chat mode and a Spark-related Task mode. The update also surfaces a bell icon for quick access to recent conversations and a still-inactive Proactive Assistance icon, alongside a browser-switching option for Gemini Spark tasks.