Google’s latest beta version of the Gemini app for Android appears to be developing a new “drag and drop” feature. This feature would allow users to make a copy of Gemini’s initial pop-up window and place it at the top of their display for split-screen use. The feature is currently only visible in the beta version, and it’s unclear when it will be officially rolled out.
Google recently expanded the availability of Gemini in Messages to more Android devices, following its initial release on Pixel and Galaxy phones. A recent discovery in the Gemini app’s code suggests that Google is interested in enhancing its capabilities by offering a split-screen addition.
According to Android Authority, the latest beta version of the Gemini app on Android allows users to split the AI’s initial pop-up window. Users can long-press the pop-up’s handle to copy it and then display Android’s typical, vertical split-screen view on phones. The second window appears as a more compact version of the main Gemini app with the user’s Google account icon visible, alongside some suggested queries and the pill-shaped text box.
The original window remains at the bottom with the same design that Android users are used to seeing when producing Gemini through its swipe command. Users can converse with Gemini in both windows without issue. Users can also drag the bottom window up by its handle to remove the cloned copy and vice versa.
It seems likely that this feature will also be available for tablets, and it doesn’t appear to be exclusive to Google Pixel devices, as a string referencing Samsung was found for this “drag and drop” feature.
In June, Google started rolling out its AI Gemini for Messages on more phones, with devices having 6GB of RAM or more able to utilize the software’s abilities, such as drafting text messages or asking questions about any topic. Conversations with Gemini in Messages will create their own thread for easy rediscovery. For a while, the AI was only available in Messages for Pixel and Galaxy devices.
Google has also highlighted its work to bring Gemini’s AI smarts to the school system by incorporating teen student accounts and tools for teachers. Students will soon be able to ask Gemini questions, but the company states that guardrails are in place to ensure a child’s safety. Tools for teachers involve a bolstered Read Along in Classrooms and the ability to assign reading material to students based on their reading data.
