Android
Android Auto introduces new Google Assistant UI with floating overlay, resembling Siri and Gemini glow
Top 3 Key Points:
- New Assistant UI: Google introduces a fresh UI for Google Assistant on Android Auto, closely resembling Apple’s Siri on CarPlay.
- Gemini’s Overlay: Gemini features a new floating overlay with a glow animation, allowing for contextual interactions without full-screen disruptions.
- Limited Rollout: Both the Assistant UI and Gemini’s new features are gradually rolling out, with availability currently limited to specific devices.
Google has recently updated Android Auto with a new interface for Google Assistant that appears during voice interactions. This UI emerges when the Assistant is waiting for your response, in addition to the existing interface at the bottom of the screen. The new design is clean and functional, but it bears a strong resemblance to Apple’s Siri on CarPlay, which has raised some eyebrows.
For instance, when asking Google Assistant to locate a nearby post office, this new UI appears as the Assistant awaits further clarification. It reacts dynamically as the Assistant speaks and processes your reply before disappearing.
While some might argue that the new UI is somewhat redundant, given the existing bottom bar, it does add a layer of visual appeal. However, the similarity to Apple’s Siri interface is hard to overlook.
Currently, this new UI is being spotted on Android Auto version 12.5 on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, though it’s unclear how widely it has been rolled out.
In addition to the Assistant update, Google is also rolling out a new feature for Gemini, which was first announced at Google I/O 2024. This feature includes a floating overlay panel with a glow effect, signaling the presence of Gemini’s contextual overlay. The new panel not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also enhances functionality by preserving the context of ongoing tasks.
For example, when you activate Gemini while watching a YouTube video, you’ll notice a new option to “Ask about this video,” replacing the earlier “Ask about this screen” feature. This allows Gemini to summarize or answer follow-up questions about the content. Additionally, anything generated by Gemini, such as images, can be dragged directly into other apps like Gmail or Google Messages.
As with the new Assistant UI, the rollout of Gemini’s glowing overlay is currently limited, with reports indicating availability on devices like the Pixel 8 Pro. Google has announced that broader availability for both Gemini users and Gemini Advanced subscribers is expected in the coming weeks.