Gemini desktop may get Tasks mode; Android app tests dark mode controls

TestingCatalog reported that some users are starting to receive the Tasks mode in the Gemini app on desktop. The interface adds a Chat/Tasks switch, separating regular conversations from more agentic work. Android Authority said it did not have access to Tasks itself, so exactly what users can hand off to it is not entirely clear. According to the report, Tasks also includes Gemini Live, which may let users talk to Gemini while it works across their computer, and new Computer Use settings could let users control which desktop apps Gemini can and cannot operate.

Gemini's desktop presence is still new. The Windows client launched earlier this month after the app debuted on Mac in the spring with keyboard access and plans for local file support, Android Authority said.

Separately, Android Authority's Authority Insights found that Gemini for Android is developing custom dark mode controls. In a teardown of version 17.61.19.sa.arm64 of the Google app for Android, the publication spotted options that would let users override system settings and force Gemini to stay in light or dark mode. The controls would be exclusive to Gemini and would not affect how the rest of the Google app responds to dark mode, according to the report. Gemini's dark mode currently depends entirely on the phone's system settings.

The same teardown identified a notification history screen in development. Gemini already gives users some control over the types of notifications they receive, including Daily Brief and regular Gemini responses. The planned history feature would be accessed by tapping a bell icon at the top of the app, showing an introductory message and recent notifications below. Android Authority also saw progress toward long-pressing a notification to open it or remove it from the list, though that function was not working correctly yet. The publication said it would continue to monitor the features.