Google is embarking on a significant journey to enhance the user experience of its Gemini app, as confirmed by Logan Kilpatrick, the product lead for Google AI Studio. In a recent communication on X, Kilpatrick announced a “huge investment” in what he describes as “Gemini App UX 2.0.” This initiative promises a transformation in the app’s interface, aiming for a more intuitive and streamlined experience for users.
What you need to know
- Google is making a “huge investment” in a “UX 2.0” overhaul for the Gemini app.
- This revamp may hint at cleaner navigation, clearer entry points, and a layout that actually keeps up with Gemini’s rapidly expanding capabilities.
- The company is developing a native macOS Gemini app, breaking free from the browser-only limitation.
The current experience of using Google Gemini on mobile devices and laptops has often been marred by a sense of awkwardness and incompleteness. However, the upcoming UX overhaul is already making its presence felt in the Android version of the app, which has recently introduced a refreshed homepage. Users can now enjoy a cleaner greeting banner, a darker background in dark mode, and a reorganized set of action chips that are arranged vertically for easier navigation. Tools such as “Create image,” “Deep Research,” and “Write anything” are now more accessible, no longer hidden within the app’s interface. Additionally, the introduction of a “My Stuff” section in the side menu allows users to easily revisit all the content Gemini has generated, including images, videos, long-form outputs, and Canvas projects, creating a more cohesive creative hub within the app.
Native macOS app confirmed
In a groundbreaking move, Google is also set to launch a native macOS version of the Gemini app, a development that Kilpatrick confirmed in another response. This transition marks a significant shift away from the current reliance on browser access, which has limited functionality for Mac users. The native app will facilitate easier drag-and-drop file management and enable deeper integration with system features, enhancing productivity for creatives.
By providing a dedicated macOS application, Google aims to streamline creative tasks and offer a stable alternative to users who currently navigate between Google services in Safari or Chrome. This update is particularly noteworthy as it aligns Gemini more closely with the seamless experiences offered by competitors like ChatGPT, which have long provided polished, app-first interfaces.
As the competition intensifies with players like OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which have established themselves with refined user experiences, Google appears to be acknowledging the need for a more cohesive and user-friendly interface. The upcoming changes to Gemini could very well redefine how users interact with this powerful AI tool, making it not just functional but also enjoyable to use.
