Google Rolls Out New Redesign for Gemini Overlay and Gemini Live

Google has begun rolling out a significant redesign of the Gemini overlay and Gemini Live for Android users. This latest update follows a series of rapid visual overhauls that occurred in February and March 2026, indicating a fast-paced iteration of the AI assistant’s mobile interface.

Gemini Overlay and Tools Menu Integration

The redesign of the Gemini overlay focuses on providing users with more direct access to the prompt box and a comprehensive Tools menu from anywhere within the Android operating system. This update, which began rolling out widely on March 12, 2026, is appearing in stable version 17.8 of the Google app.

The new interface utilizes a pill-shaped overlay. To the right of the existing plus icon for attachments, users can now find the Gemini Tools menu. To accommodate this addition, the Ask Gemini hint has been centered within the layout.

When a user begins typing, the overlay morphs from its initial pill shape into a rounded rectangle spanning two lines. While this redesign mirrors the internal Gemini app experience, the overlay version includes specific descriptions for each available tool to assist users.

• Create image: Visualize and edit
• Create video: Bring ideas to life
• Create music: Make music with Gemini
• Canvas: Vibe code apps or create docs
• Deep research: Get detailed reports
• Guided learning: Study and learn new things

Subscribers to Google AI will also see a Personal Intelligence toggle within this redesigned interface. Notably, the model switcher is currently absent from this specific overlay redesign.

Gemini Live Floating Pill Redesign

Parallel to the overlay changes, Google is transitioning Gemini Live from a primarily fullscreen experience to a floating pill design on Android. This update began appearing for Google app beta users (version 17.7) around February 28, 2026 and was also seen in stable version 17.3 of the Google app.

The floating pill visually aligns with the text prompt overlay and can be accessed by tapping the Live icon within the Gemini overlay or by exiting the fullscreen Gemini Live UI to the home screen.

This new control allows users to mute the microphone, end the Live session, or start sharing their camera and screen. The container features the Gemini Live waveform in the background with text transcription appearing above it. both elements can be toggled on or off via the top-right corner.

If the user engages in other activities on the device, the pill collapses into a small circle that can be moved around the screen. Tapping the circle expands the interface, while swiping down closes it, similar to a chathead mechanism.

Evolution of the Android Interface

These 2026 updates build upon a redesign that began in early 2025. On January 11, 2025, Google introduced a more compact and colorful overlay that replaced the original rectangular design. That version introduced a blue and purple glow effect and reorganized input options into a single-line text box with a plus icon for file uploads and a microphone button for voice input.

The current trajectory of the Gemini interface suggests a shift toward a more unobtrusive, floating presence that allows users to interact with AI tools without leaving their current application, while maintaining a path back to the full-screen experience for complex tasks like video sharing.