Google's 'Astra' Joins Gemini Team in March, Set to Enhance Live Features with New VP

Google Astra Joins Gemini Team

• Project Update: Project Astra, initially part of Google DeepMind’s research arm, is now formally joining the Gemini app team. This move aims to accelerate product development as Astra transitions from a research prototype to a shipping product in March 2023.
• Gemini Live Features: Astra will be integrated into Gemini Live, allowing Android users to share their screens or live video feeds and engage in contextual conversations. This feature is set to launch for Gemini Advanced subscribers on Android.
• New Leadership: Chris Struhar, a former VP of Product at Meta (formerly Facebook), has joined Google as the Vice President of Product for the Gemini app. Struhar's expertise in product development will contribute to the team’s goals.
• Gemini Updates: Additional updates include renaming ‘Gemini Extensions’ to just ‘apps,’ adding lockscreen widgets for iPhone users, and making some Advanced features, like ‘Saved info,’ available for free.