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Google is testing a cleaner Gemini overlay at the cost of some of its best features

by | Feb 4, 2026 | Authority Insights, Google, Google Gemini, News

Google Gemini logo on smartphone stock photo (5)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR

  • Google is experimenting with moving contextual actions like “Ask about place” and “Ask about PDF” into the Plus menu in the Gemini overlay.
  • Google could also move the “Share conversation” button to the top-right corner of the main conversation UI for easier access.

In the latest Google app v17.4.66 release, we’ve spotted a bunch of new Gemini features under development. There are more clues about Gemini’s agentic abilities for Android phones, a new Map area button in the attachment sheet, and a new “Characters” feature. That’s not all, though, as we’ve also spotted code for a couple of UI tweaks, which we’ve managed to activate to give you an early look.

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Currently, when you trigger Gemini on top of specific apps, Google shows one-tap contextual actions in the Gemini overlay. These contextual actions include “Ask about place” with Google Maps, “Ask about PDF” with Google Drive and Files, and “Ask about page” with Google Chrome.