Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Chrome on Android is testing a new toolbar that provides quick access to Gemini.
- The new toolbar is rolling out to some users now.
Google’s testing another way to remind you that Gemini exists. New controls are appearing in the Chrome browser on Android, adding a button to call up Google’s AI right within thumb’s reach.
As reported by 9to5Google, some users (including 9to5′s Ben Schoon) have started receiving an update to Chrome that introduces a second strip of buttons to the browser UI. By default, this version of Chrome has a URL field, as well as a back button, share button, and and menu button, at the top of the screen, plus a second bar with a Gemini icon and tab controls at the bottom. Tapping the Gemini icon opens a conversation with Google’s AI chatbot.
You’re still able to move the controls at the top of the UI to the bottom for better ergonomics, but the resulting bottom nav bar appears rather tall.
You can see the updated controls in screenshots from 9to5 below:
This update is rolling out for the stable version of Chrome; you don’t need the beta version to try it out. That said, it seems like this is the start of what could be a prolonged rollout. It’s apparently activated via a server-side switch: the report says some only one device at 9to5 is showing the new layout. I’m not seeing the updated version on any of my own devices yet, either.
The updated layout is a little more crowded, but Gemini die-hards may appreciate being able to access Google’s AI in a new way.
This new layout is available for some users right now. We don’t know when we should expect it to be available more generally.
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