Google adds floating bubble to Gemini on Android for seamless multitasking
A new minimization feature allows the AI assistant to persist as a small on-screen icon, reducing disruption during app use.
Google has updated the Gemini AI overlay on Android to include a floating bubble, allowing the assistant to remain accessible without obstructing the entire screen. This change enables users to maintain an active AI session while simultaneously interacting with other mobile applications.
The update introduces a dedicated "Minimize" button within the Gemini overlay. When selected, the interface collapses into a small, floating bubble identified by the Gemini spark logo. According to Google, the assistant remains available during multitasking, and a simple tap on the bubble instantly expands the AI back into its full overlay for continued conversation.
The shift from overlay to utility
Previously, the Gemini interface functioned as a semi-transparent layer that often covered a significant portion of the display. While effective for isolated queries, the system lacked a native background state. This forced users to either keep the AI in a disruptive foreground position or close the session entirely to regain full visibility of their active workspace.
Reducing workflow friction
By adopting a bubble metaphor, Google is transforming Gemini from a disruptive overlay into a persistent utility. This design choice reduces the friction inherent in AI-assisted workflows, making it significantly easier for users to reference AI-generated content or move data between the assistant and other apps in real-time. The feature is specifically designed to prevent the AI from taking over the full screen, ensuring that the assistant supports rather than hinders the user's primary task.
What to watch
As Google continues to refine the Android AI experience, the focus remains on deeper integration into the OS. While the floating bubble solves the immediate problem of screen real estate, it remains to be seen how Google will further evolve the interaction model to allow for more complex, multi-app AI automation. Users should check for the latest Gemini app updates to see if the minimization button has reached their specific device.