Google's Gemini AI gets a literal glow up in the latest update on Android phones

Google Pixel 9 front and back
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Following the major Google Gemini AI teases at Made By Google – which also introduced us to the Google Pixel 9 and six other new Google devices – Gemini just got an update that’s rolling out to older Android devices.

This update was teased back at Google I/O with the promise that Gemini’s responses won’t take up your whole screen. Instead, it’ll now automatically appear as a glowing overlay that’s less disruptive (via 9to5Google). Alongside the updated look, there are new tools like the ability to ask for context about what’s happening in the video you’re watching on YouTube or generally showing on your screen.

It’s not quite as sophisticated as what the brand new Gemini Live will give you, but this feature will be available to all Gemini users, whether they’re accessing it for free or as a Gemini Advanced subscriber (unlike Live, which is paid).

If you still appreciate the full-screen Gemini experience, it’s just a button press away. You can tap the icon in the top right corner of the prompt box to turn the assistant to full-screen mode.

Google Gemini AI

(Image credit: Google)

Updating your Gemini experience should be happening automatically right now, with this update hitting phones gradually. So, if you don’t see a glowing Gemini prompt box yet, you might just need to wait a little longer. If it makes you feel better, our devices haven’t updated yet, but many online have, so hopefully, we won’t be left waiting for much longer.

You should also soon get the Gemini contextual extensions for apps like Calendar and Tasks “in the coming weeks “ per Google. This will allow the AI to use information from across your Google services to provide more sophisticated answers seen in the live Made by Google in which someone could ask Gemini if they’re free when Sabria Carpenter's tour is coming to their town.

Even more Gemini updates should be hitting our devices in the coming months, so be on the lookout for those. This long-promised AI revolution looks to finally be arriving in full force, with AI assistants that actually feel helpful.

You might also like

Hamish Hector
Senior Staff Writer, News

Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.

Read more
Pixel 9 Pro og Pixel 9 Pro XL
Gemini AI can see and talk to you about what's on your screen – which could be more helpful than it sounds
Gemini 2.0
Google has just announced the ability to chain actions in Gemini and it could change the way we use AI for good
Google Gemini AI
Google Gemini update makes asking the AI for assistance feel more like phoning a friend
a google TV
I got a sneak peek of 3 great new AI features for Google Home devices and TVs, and one is straight out of a Black Mirror episode
Google Gemini AI
Google Gemini's new model is the brainstorming AI partner you've been looking for
Man using Gemini Live on an phone.
Free Gemini Live update brings better conversation skills and understanding of accents
Latest in Artificial Intelligence
GPT 4.5
ChatGPT 4.5 understands subtext, but it doesn't feel like an enormous leap from ChatGPT-4o
AI Learning for kids
AI doesn't belong in the classroom unless you want kids to learn all the wrong lessons
EDMONTON, CANADA - FEBRUARY 10: A woman uses a cell phone displaying the Open AI logo, with the same logo visible on a computer screen in the background, on February 10, 2025, in Edmonton, Canada
ChatGPT-4.5 is here (for most users), but I think OpenAI’s model selection is now a complete mess
Google AI Mode
Google previews AI Mode for search, taking on the likes of ChatGPT search and Perplexity
ChatGPT Deep Research
I can get answers from ChatGPT, but Deep Research gives me a whole dissertation I'll almost never need
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman attends the artificial intelligence Revolution Forum. New York, US - 13 Jan 2023
Sam Altman tweets delay to ChatGPT-4.5 launch while also proposing a shocking new payment structure
Latest in News
Apple MacBook Air M3
The M3 MacBook Air is officially discontinued, but the M2 MacBook Air will live on elsewhere and that's good news
Stock photographs of people smiling and looking at laptops in a small business environment.
This web hosting platform elevates your online presence
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display at Galaxy Unpacked
Exclusive: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will have durability to match its ‘sexy’ form
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Sega was Metacritic's highest-rated publisher of 2024 thanks to the critically acclaimed Metaphor: ReFantazio and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
AirPods Pro Review
Apple has quietly updated its guidance on how to clean your AirPods, and suggests you buy a kit… from Belkin
China
Chinese hackers who targeted key US infrastructure charged by Justice Department