Google Messages reportedly developed a faster way to have conversations with Gemini: report

Google Messages could introduce a faster way to have conversations with Gemini, the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. Although a similar feature currently exists in the messaging app, there are many actions required before you can start chatting. This development was reportedly found in a beta version of the app. With this feature, Google would streamline the process via a new floating action button (FAB) that could be available in the Messages app.

Gemini FAB in Google Messages

Android Authority, in collaboration with tipster Assemble Debug, reported that the new FAB for Gemini was spotted in the APK teardown of the Google Messages app version messages.android_20240610_01_RC00. A floating button would appear above the start chat option.

Gemini FAB in Google Messages
Photo credit: AssembleDebug/Android Authority

To open the Gemini chat window right now, users need to start a new chat and then select the “Gemini” option. This feature is not available in India, according to Google. With the FAB in development, it could eliminate an extra step required to make the AI ​​chatbot appear. Instead, users may be able to tap the Gemini option and have conversations immediately.

Gemini’s integration with Google Messages was first reported in March, but only started becoming available in more regions last month. Regions such as India, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area (EEA) have been excluded from the update.

The report speculates that this feature is not yet available, even to beta testers, and that there is no information on its rollout schedule. Notably, features spotted in APK teardowns are usually only for testing and may not make it to the final version of the app.

Edit RCS messages

On May 30, Google announced seven new features for Android, including the ability to edit RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages. This feature would be available through Google Messages.

Google said users can long-press on a sent RCS message to edit it. A new editing icon will be displayed on the top banner. Sent messages can be edited for up to 15 minutes, the company added.