Google Overhauls Android Gemini Navigation and Preferences
The AI assistant's interface is being unified across platforms as Google merges its previously split settings into a single, more accessible hub for Android users.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
The landscape for Google's flagship artificial intelligence assistant continues to shift as the company refines its interface for mobile devices. Following a series of recent adjustments, a significant visual and functional update is now reaching a wider audience on the Android platform. This move signals a push toward consistency across all devices where the Gemini application is used.
The primary change involves the navigation drawer that appears on the side of the screen. In the previous layout, search capabilities were not located in the upper corner. Now, the search function has been relocated to the top right. The option to start a fresh conversation remains the primary entry point at the top of the list. Directly below that, the Library section has been moved up, a change from its previous position near the bottom of the menu.
To manage screen real estate and prevent the menu from feeling cluttered, the application now displays only the five most recent items initially. Users who wish to view their entire history must tap a specific option labeled 'More.' For those subscribed to the AI Ultra tier, the expanded list reveals a comprehensive set of tools, including Images, Scheduled tasks, Daily briefs, customization options, student resources, videos, and Gems.
A notable aspect of this rollout is its delivery method. The changes are being pushed via a server-side update rather than a standard app store release. This means users are receiving the new interface without needing to download a new version of the app. It follows a prior update that renamed 'Spark' to 'Task,' indicating a continued effort to streamline the user experience.
The settings area has undergone a similar consolidation. Previously, user preferences were scattered between the main account menu and a distinct section called 'Gemini Settings.' Google has now merged these into a single page to reduce confusion. The account menu itself has been slimmed down, now serving only to switch profiles, provide feedback, or access general help.
The new unified settings page begins with account management and usage limits. This is followed by a broad Preferences section. This area houses controls for notifications, personal intelligence, avatars, task configurations, themes, skills, voice settings, media, device controls, shopping carts, and the Gemini Notebook. Among these, the Theme option is specifically flagged as a new addition to the interface.
The final sections of the settings page address data privacy and support. Under Data & privacy, users can manage imported memories, contact information from devices, activity logs, public links, and access the Privacy Help Hub. The Get support section provides links for help, reporting problems, viewing version details, and checking for updates. This structure aims to make finding specific configurations more intuitive.
This Android update mirrors changes that arrived last week for iOS, macOS, and web users, coinciding with the launch of Gemini 4 Argon. The broader rollout on Android suggests the company is prioritizing mobile users who represent a large share of its audience. Other recent developments include the Gemini Notebook becoming a connected app, free users shifting to 'Auto' models with thinking levels, and a new Map tool that replaced the previous slash shortcut with an at symbol.
