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Google Gemini gets real-time translation, Spark shortcuts, and auto-minimizing overlay

Google is rolling out new Gemini features including real-time translation and Spark shortcuts, per Android Authority.

AI News Feed · 2026-09-01 19:37

The most notable addition is a new "Turn on live translation" option that appears to be rolling out to some users in Gemini Live's voice settings. Once enabled, Gemini can translate spoken conversations between languages in real time. In tests, Android Authority set Gemini to detect Hindi and translate it into English, with translation captions appearing as the conversation continued. This could make multilingual conversations easier for users. The rollout is gradual, with some devices getting the refreshed UI before the translation feature arrives.

Separately, a teardown of the latest Google app version (17.54.10) revealed that Google is working on adding "Chat" and "Assign" buttons to the Gemini home screen. With "Chat" selected, users would talk to Gemini as usual; switching to "Assign" would send messages to Gemini Spark instead. This could save time for those who frequently switch between Gemini and Gemini Spark. Android Authority notes that the feature appears to work already, but there is no word on when or if it will be released. Google previously experimented with an "Assign Task" option, but that has not shown up for users either.

Another in-development feature would automatically minimize the Gemini overlay while it processes a user request. The overlay would shrink into a floating action button, allowing people to use their phones normally while Gemini is working. Android Authority managed to enable this behavior in the latest Google app, but it is not yet publicly available. A minimize button for the overlay was also spotted months ago but has not been rolled out.

For users who would rather not have Gemini in their messaging app, Android Authority explains how to hide the Gemini button in Google Messages. The shortcut appears above the "Start chat" icon. To get rid of it, open the account menu, go to Messages settings > General, then tap "Gemini in Messages" and switch off "Show Gemini button." However, this only hides the shortcut; Gemini still appears when starting a new chat. Google does not offer a way to fully disable Gemini features in Messages, similar to other apps like Gmail and Search.

These updates come as Google continues to integrate Gemini across its apps. At the same time, users have complained about the AI appearing without explicit consent, and Workspace integration forces users to enable all apps at once. The new features may improve utility, but they also highlight Google's approach of adding Gemini broadly.