Google Messages Introduces Option to Hide Gemini AI Button

Google Messages finally adds a toggle switch for the obtrusive Gemini button

Google Messages may soon let you send high quality images over RCS Summary Google integrated Gemini into Messages in early 2024, followed by wider access and lowered device requirements. It added a dedicated Gemini FAB to the Messages app in July without an option to turn it off. The latest Google Messages beta introduces an option to turn off the Gemini button. Google announced its plans to integrate Gemini in the Messages app in February 2024. Initially limited to certain countries, Google began a wider rollout of the AI chatbot inside Messages in May 2024 and quickly followed up by lowering the device requirements for wider access. It also rolled out a dedicated Gemini FAB button in the Messages app for faster access. If you found this dedicated Gemini button annoying, there was not much you could do, as Google did not provide an option to turn it off. Thankfully, that's changing now. Related Why Samsung is right to use Google Messages by default Finally, one messaging app to rule them all 19 With the latest beta release of Google Messages (v20240808_01), Google has added a "Show Gemini button" toggle in the Settings menu. Tucked under Settings > Gemini in Messages, you can turn off the option to remove the floating Gemini action button on top of the compose button for good. Close The option is available on all my Android phones running the latest Google Messages beta across different accounts, indicating this is not a server-side rollout from Google. So, you should get the setting to disable the Gemini FAB after installing the latest Google Messages beta build on your phone. Gemini integration within Google Messages feels half-baked, as the AI chatbot cannot access your texts. Instead, you can only use it to ask questions or enter prompts to get answers. It's no different from accessing Gemini through the Google app. The only difference is that the chatbot's responses are more concise to fit RCS chats. Gemini integration in Google Messages needs work I have never accessed Gemini inside Google Messages, so it was annoying that the company pushed the AI chatbot through a prominent floating action button within the app without an option to turn it off. It would have been better if Gemini integration in Google Messages worked like in Gmail, where you can ask the AI to summarize long emails, get reply suggestions, and more. Sadly, that's not the case, but here's hoping Google eventually deepens Gemini integration in Messages to achieve this. Google has added several features to Messages over the last few months to make it a better messaging app. Adding Gemini integration is certainly not one of them.

Google Messages users can now hide Gemini button - Times of India

Google has introduced a new feature in Google Messages that allows users to hide the Gemini button. The button, which was added earlier this year to facilitate quick access to the Gemini AI chatbot, had drawn mixed reactions from users. With the latest update, users can now opt to remove the Gemini button from their Messages app interface. This change comes after user feedback indicated that some found the button to be intrusive or unnecessary. To hide the Gemini button, users can navigate to the Google Messages settings, find the Gemini settings, and toggle off the option to show the button. This new feature offers users greater flexibility in customising their messaging app to their preferences, enhancing overall user experience. Google Messages testing Snapchat-style effects A recent online report revealed that Google is testing features that could bring Snapchat-like 3D effects directly into your text messages. Leaked code suggests users could soon be transforming themselves into playful virtual characters, from feline fanatics to funky eyewear enthusiasts, directly within the messaging app. These dynamic effects, likely powered by your phone's front camera, will add a fresh layer of fun and personality to video messages and selfies shared with friends. The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk's news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.