Google Messages adopts double FAB to promote Gemini

Gemini in Google Messages came out of beta at I/O 2024 last month and now features a dual FAB design.

In a rather visible effort, the floating “Start Chat” action button now has a smaller Gemini FAB right above it. When using the rectangle, the square appears misaligned. Everything is visually correct when scrolling.

There is precedent for this appearance in Google Drive where the “new” FAB is associated with a scan shortcut. However, the camera disappears when scrolling.

Simply tap to open the Gemini conversation for persistent access to the generative AI chatbot, which should always be powered by Gemini 1.0 Pro and optimized to provide concise responses. Google dropped the Pixel and Samsung requirements this month.

This Gemini FAB in Google Messages is live for some beta users.

In the future, a Gemini icon will appear in the upper right corner of Gmail for Android/iOS to access the Q&A functionality, while the sparkle indicates how you access the side panel on desktop web.

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