Google is enhancing the user experience of its Gemini app on Android by introducing a navigation drawer, mirroring the functionality found on its web counterpart. This update promises a series of usability improvements aimed at streamlining interactions within the app.
Previously, users accessed the “Chat & Gems” page via a chat icon located in the top-left corner of the app. This page displayed the five most recent conversations along with Gems, but accessing additional content required navigating through to a full page.
With the latest update, a hamburger button has been implemented, which reveals a navigation drawer when tapped. This new feature prominently displays a “New chat” button at the top, followed by two of the most recent Gems and a link to “Explore Gems.” The “Recent” history list now supports infinite scrolling, a feature that was adopted by the web version earlier this year. Pinned conversations are prioritized at the top of the list, ensuring quick access to important discussions.
One of the standout features of this navigation drawer is its accessibility; users can open it while viewing conversations or browsing other pages within the Gemini app. Instead of overlaying content, the drawer elegantly slides the main screen to the right, maintaining a clean and organized interface.
For users on Android tablets, the navigation drawer automatically opens, although it can be hidden to provide a fullscreen experience, particularly useful during chats. The design closely resembles that of the Gemini website, ensuring consistency across platforms.
This new navigation drawer is being rolled out with Google app version 16.23, which is currently in beta. Users may need to force stop the app from the App info menu after the update to experience the new features fully.
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