Google's Gemini Answer Now Feature Skips Deep Thinking for Faster Answers on Simple Queries

Reviewed byNidhi Govil

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Google rolled out the Answer Now feature for Gemini, allowing users to bypass in-depth reasoning on Pro and Thinking models for instant replies to simple queries. The button appears next to the spinning status indicator and works across Android, iOS, and web platforms for both free and paid accounts, giving users control over response speed without switching models.

Gemini Introduces Answer Now Feature for Quick Replies

Google has deployed a new Answer Now feature for its Gemini AI chatbot that addresses a common frustration: waiting too long for answers to simple questions

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. When using Gemini Pro and Thinking models, users now see a button labeled "Answer now" next to the spinning status indicator while the AI assistant generates responses

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. Tapping this button skips the deep thinking process and delivers faster answers without requiring users to manually switch between models

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Source: Gadgets 360

Source: Gadgets 360

The feature is rolling out to Android, iOS, and web platforms as a server-side update, meaning no app update is required

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. Both free and paid Gemini accounts can access this functionality, which represents a shift in how users interact with Google's AI assistant

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How Answer Now Bypasses In-Depth Reasoning

When users press the Answer Now button, Gemini displays a confirmation message stating it's "Skipping in-depth thinking" before delivering the response

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. Crucially, the feature continues using the currently selected model rather than switching to Gemini's Fast model, according to the three-dot overflow menu that appears at the end of responses

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. This distinguishes it from the older Skip button, which simply changed models entirely

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Source: Android Police

Source: Android Police

The Answer Now feature works best for instant replies to simple queries like math problems, unit conversions, time checks, or quick facts

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. For example, questions like "What's the capital of New Zealand?" no longer require waiting through extended reasoning processes

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. However, users lose access to the "Show thinking" dropdown that normally outlines the reasoning process used by Gemini Pro to arrive at answers

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User Control Over Response Speed and Model Usage

Unlike ChatGPT's automatic fast mode switch, Gemini provides user control over response speed by letting individuals decide when to override the AI's default behavior

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. This approach offers transparency and addresses complaints about unnecessary delays on straightforward questions. The feature won't appear when using Gemini's Fast model, since that version already prioritizes speed

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Google also recently adjusted usage limits for different models. AI Pro subscribers now get 300 Thinking prompts per day and 100 Pro prompts per day, while AI Ultra subscribers receive 1,500 Thinking prompts per day and 500 Pro prompts per day. Free users get basic access to both Thinking and Pro models with their own limits.

Integration with Google Ecosystem and Personal Intelligence

The Answer Now feature arrives shortly after Google introduced Personal Intelligence for Gemini, which allows the AI chatbot to tailor responses by connecting to the Google ecosystem including Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search

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. This feature is currently available in beta for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US and can be enabled through Settings > Personal Intelligence > Connected Apps

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Source: MakeUseOf

Source: MakeUseOf

Future additions to Personal Intelligence are expected to include Google Calendar, Drive, and other Workspace apps such as Docs and Sheets

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. The Personal Intelligence feature remains off by default, giving users privacy controls over which Google apps Gemini can access

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. Users can disable access at any time, and Gemini will reference the sources it used from connected apps

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