Gemini became available within Google Messages in May 2024. Then, earlier this month, the company eliminated the Samsung and Pixel device exclusivity, rolling out its AI-powered chatbot to other Android smartphones with 6GB+ RAM integrated into its messaging app. A few weeks ago, a teardown showed that Google Messages is testing a faster way to access Gemini using an FAB button. It now seems that the change is gradually being implemented for Google Messages for everybody.
According to 9to5Google, the Google Messages app had a double floating actions button (FAB) design in its interface. This looks more like blatant advertising, the “Start chat” button in the app is now followed by another, slightly smaller FAB for Gemini. As a rather visible attempt, the floating ‘Start Chat’ action bar icon has a much tinier Gemini FAB placed just above it. When using the rectangle, the square looks distorted. There is nothing wrong with visuals while scrolling.
Gemini and FAB
With the help of the Gemini floating action button, you can easily open the chatbot to start a conversation. If this is your first time using Gemini in Messages, you’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions first. The mini FAB is okay to activate Google Gemini for uninterrupted usage of the generative AI tool that appears to be running on Gemini 1. 0 Pro and being configured to give the correct answers.
How does it work
The Gemini FAB is placed just above the Start Chat button located in the bottom-left corner of Google Messages. Despite being significantly smaller than the latter, the compose button reduces in size when you begin scrolling. In other words, Gemini in Google Messages is an opportunity to have a conversation with the chatbot as an additional interface, but the answers will be shorter to adapt to the context of RCS chats. It is for this reason that while there are various methods through which Gemini can be invoked, its inclusion in the Messages app in its current form seems half-baked.