On Android, the Gemini app has redesigned voice input to accept after social messaging apps.
Previously, tapping the microphone icon in the Gemini message box resulted in a blue pulsating circle as real-time transcribed text appeared above. This design is still in place for the Gemini when swiping up from the corners or holding down the power button.
This redesign replaces the text field with a waveform. At first launch, Google explains: “When you’re done talking, tap Stop or Send.”
Tapping the “Stop” button that appears at the end will bring you back to the prompt box where your text was transcribed. If you press the microphone again, the information you entered earlier will not be deleted.
A slightly pulsating “Send” circle immediately enters the command. As users run the query, they see what they said above. If you do nothing, voice input remains active for a while.
Visually and functionally, this design performs voice memos in messaging apps. Not being able to see a live preview of what you’re typing feels a little odd in the context of transcription, but less so in writing. Presumably Google has a user test that shows that people don’t actually edit what they transcribe, chatbots generally ignore typos.
If you prefer the old-fashioned way, you can always use your keyboard’s voice dictation or Gemini.
We’re seeing Gemini’s new voice input roll out widely with the latest Google app stable and beta. Not yet released on iOS.
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