audio input Archives

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Gemini Android app beta adds audio file support

The Gemini Android application beta has introduced a feature allowing users to attach audio files, such as MP3s, to chat conversations. This feature, noted in version 16.30.59.sa.arm64 of the Google app beta, includes a “Talk live about this” prompt when a file is attached. However, the audio processing capabilities are still in early development, with inconsistent processing of audio input and occasional irrelevance in responses. The Gemini API supports audio input for tasks like generating descriptions, summarizing spoken information, and transcribing speech, with support for MP3, WAV, and FLAC formats. The integration of audio file attachment is part of a broader development initiative by Google, although no official launch date has been announced.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Gemini on Android is getting ready to listen to your audio files (APK teardown)

A recent APK teardown of version 16.30.59.sa.arm64 of the Google app beta indicates that the Gemini Android app may soon allow users to attach audio files, such as MP3s, to their chats. This feature includes a prompt to “Talk live about this,” but it is not yet fully functional. Users can upload audio files and either type a question or select the “talk live” option, though responses from Gemini can be inconsistent. The technology behind Gemini is capable of processing audio input, including summarizing and transcribing, with support for formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC. This development follows the recent addition of image uploads in the app, suggesting a move towards enhanced multimedia support.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Android 16 could borrow this key feature from Windows 11

The current audio input management in Android is inconsistent, leading to a frustrating user experience, especially for those using external audio devices. Android 16 is set to introduce a system-wide audio switcher to improve this situation. Recent findings from the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release indicate the addition of an audio input section to the existing switcher, which has been part of Android since version 11. This feature, once activated, shows how audio management may evolve in Android 16. Currently, applications that support external microphones require developers to use the MediaRecorder API, resulting in a fragmented experience. Android 15 allows audio output changes but restricts input options. A preview of Android 16 suggests a dedicated section for audio input switching, which could simplify the process for users and reduce the reliance on the MediaRecorder API for developers, leading to a more uniform experience across the platform. This enhancement could significantly improve usability for high-end tablets, PCs, and smartphones running Android.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Android 16 could add a system-wide audio input switcher

Android devices have built-in microphones for voice calls and audio recording, but their quality varies by model. Many users seek external microphones for better audio quality, yet most Android apps do not support recording through them. Currently, audio input selection is limited to individual applications, which can be frustrating. Google has allowed developers to implement microphone settings via the MediaRecorder API, resulting in some apps offering input selection options. Android 16 may introduce a system-wide audio input switcher, allowing users to change the audio input device across all applications. This feature is currently in development and was discovered in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release, though it is not yet functional. The anticipated release of Android 16 is in Q2 of 2025.