Gemini Live Elevates Android Experience with Phone Call-Style Notifications

Gemini Live Switching to Phone Call-Style Notifications on Android

Gemini Live, a feature that recently introduced the 'Talk Live about this' option, is now transitioning to phone call-style notifications on the Android platform. This change aims to enhance user awareness and interaction while using the Gemini Live mode in the background.

Key Changes:

• Notification Style: The new notification mimics a phone call interface with features like a big red 'Hang Up' button, a 'Hold' option, and a 'Continue' button. This is more prominent than the previous standard notification that included an 'End Live mode' button.
• Status Bar Indicator: A call chip next to the status bar time displays a live count alongside a Gemini sparkle icon, though this count remains active even when on hold.
• Device Compatibility: The new notification style has been observed only on one device (Pixel 9 Pro running Google app beta version 16.4) out of several tested.
• Exclusions: This call-style notification does not appear on the Pixel Watch and is not treated as a call on Wear OS.

Similarities to iPhone:

• The new notification style is akin to how the Gemini app on iPhone uses Live Activities, providing a more interactive and visible user experience.

Additional Context:

• This update aligns with Google's broader efforts to improve Gemini Live, including the upcoming Astra feature that will allow screen sharing during conversations.