Gemini on Android desktop will have persistent icon, keyboard shortcut

When the Android desktop interface leaked last month, there was a Gemini icon in the status bar. We now know a bit more about that persistent access.

About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

The latest Google app beta (version 17.5) has a pair of strings about the Gemini experience on desktop Android. 

• <string name=”assistant_suw_gemini_hotword_consent_screen_subtitle_desktop_placeholder”>Ask Gemini to help with writing, planning, brainstorming, and more</string>
• <string name=”assistant_suw_gemini_intro_screen_item_1_title_desktop”>Turn on by selecting the Gemini icon from the top right corner of your screen or press [GoogleKeyIcon] + Space</string>

Like on phones, the Google app looks like it will power the Gemini experience on Aluminium OS. 

The strings make reference to the “Gemini icon” in the “top right corner of your screen.” We saw this button in last month’s interface leak. The Gemini spark is placed in a pill alongside Wi-Fi, battery, and other status bar icons. It’s reminiscent of when Gemini Live is active today, while Android XR features a similar button in Quick Settings to go Live. For comparison, macOS offers a Siri button in the menu bar.

Another way to access Gemini will be from a keyboard shortcut: [GoogleKeyIcon] + Space. The latest Chromebook Plus laptops already feature a ‘G’ icon in the bottom row. 

It remains to be seen what desktop-native experiences Gemini will offer. There’s a lot of untapped potential in regards to pairing a desktop OS with an assistant that is always available and has context. Launching Gemini on desktop Android presumably opens an overlay like on phones. It might not be too different from the Gemini in Chrome side panel we have today.

Android XR & Chromebook Plus