Google is set to significantly refresh its Gemini AI assistant, making it from a classical chat-based interface a visual interactive experience featuring scrollable newsfeeds and grab-your-attention images. The possible redesign emerged as the technology leader observes OpenAI’s video editing tool Sora take over the top spots on the U.S. App Store rankings.
Android Authority recently unearthed the experimental interface hidden within the Gemini Android app code. The new interface was turned on by a reverse engineer and unleashed a radically different type of interaction with AI at the user level.
Google issued no announcement for the changes yet, but did confirm the report with the company saying there’s no announcement to share “just yet” through a spokesperson.
AI Home Screen of Google Adopts Scrolling Feed, Visual Prompts, and Bold Feature Buttons
The new home screen would depart from the white chat box that has characterized AI assistants for decades. Rather, users would be presented with prominent shortcut buttons for major features such as “Create Picture” and “Deep Research” located at the top of the page. Below the shortcuts is a scrolling feed packed with recommended prompts accompanied by eye-catching, full-color photos.
This feed-as-you-go methodology is a radical departure from the presentation style of AI apps as they relate to users. Instead of gazing at a blank message box and wondering what to write, users can scan at their leisure visually stunning suggestions that inspire and showcase the abilities of the AI.
The example prompts shown in the leaked interface reveal Google’s strategy to make AI more accessible and fun. Photo-editing suggestions include playful ideas like “Teleport me to deep space,” “Give me a vintage or grunge look,” and “Turn my drawing into a storybook.”
These prompts immediately show users the creative possibilities without requiring them to understand complex AI terminology.
Other tips stress usability. Prompts overlaid on bright background images enumerate tips such as “Brainstorm with Live” and “Add me to your daily news rundown,” and they allow users to try out functions they never knew they possessed.
Google Bets on Visual Transformation to Differentiate Gemini and Rival ChatGPT’s Spartan Design
Google’s motivation for this visual transformation is clear. The company wants to make Gemini more intuitive and less intimidating, especially for users who might feel overwhelmed by a blank chatbot interface. By providing concrete examples and inspiration, Google hopes to increase engagement and help users get more value from the AI assistant.
The time is particularly favorable. OpenAI’s Sora app recently hit the U.S. App Store’s top spot, demonstrating healthy consumer interest in creative apps that leverage AI. In comparison, ChatGPT’s interface is rather Spartan, leaving users on a nearly blank page. Here, Google can differentiate Gemini based on better visual design and user experience.
Google has had success with visual AI functions in the past. Google’s Nano Banana image model took Gemini to No. 1 on the Top Charts on the App Store in September. The app stayed there from September 12 through Sora finally assuming control, and it became clear that there is consumer demand for AI products that can provide visual creativity and interactivity.
This probably emboldened Google to double down on visuality across the whole app experience rather than just for discrete features. The scrollable feed interface, if popular, would then act as a template for what AI assistants ought to look and act like.
Prioritizing Design and UI in the AI Assistant Race
The possible redesign would mark a significant shift in the AI assistants battleground. No longer would firms be primarily differentiating on technical abilities or the smarts of their underlying models. User interface, aesthetics, and usability would increasingly become on-par differentiators.
This gives Google the opportunity to apply its design and user interface competency to the mix. Google has long-term experience in developing consumer products that look good and perform well, and can transfer that skill set over to Gemini and potentially differentiate it in a maturing marketplace for AI products.
Although these changes have not been rolled out for public use, finding them within the code of the app does indicate Google is currently testing them out. Whether or not the corporation will proceed with this overall redesign or will do it in smaller increments is unknown at this time.
One thing is certain that Google understands it needs to enrich Gemini’s interface both visually and usability-wise. The future of commercial mainstream products would be AI assistants with powerful functions and gorgeous and user-friendly interfaces, so Google’s experimental new design proves it understands this truth and prepares itself for competition on all fronts.
