Google has revamped the Gemini app’s desktop sidebar, giving it a sleek, user-friendly makeover. The updated design lets you easily scroll through all your past chats without any restrictions, making it simple to revisit old conversations. This creates a smoother, more seamless experience, keeping everything you need in one spot.

The sidebar now sports a tidy appearance, featuring a quick-start button for new chats and a slim, unobtrusive layout. Popular tools, like uploading photos or creating images, are neatly arranged for fast access. These improvements integrate smoothly with Google’s Workspace apps, such as Gmail and Docs, allowing you to tap into Gemini’s AI assistance wherever you work.

For Gemini Advanced subscribers, the update brings exclusive benefits, including early access to new tools and higher usage caps. This makes it a handy companion for tasks like drafting emails, sparking creative ideas, or organizing projects effortlessly. This refresh highlights Google’s commitment to making Gemini a more intuitive and supportive assistant. The changes make it easier to use and blend naturally into your daily tasks. The update is rolling out now, so desktop users can look forward to exploring the new sidebar soon.

Google is working on some exciting updates for Android users, making devices more versatile and user-friendly. These changes, found through recent app investigations, show Google’s focus on improving how we use our phones and smart home devices.

First, Android might soon get a desktop mode. This feature would let your phone act like a computer when connected to a bigger screen. You could open apps in resizable windows and use a taskbar, similar to a PC. It’s a step toward making your phone a powerful all-in-one device, perfect for work or multitasking on the go.

Next, Google Photos is preparing to support spatial videos for Android XR. These 3D videos create a more immersive experience, especially for virtual reality headsets. As Android XR grows, this update will let users capture and enjoy videos with a realistic, three-dimensional feel, bringing memories to life in a new way.

Finally, the Google Home app could soon have a “What’s New” shortcut. This will make it easier to check the latest updates and features for your smart home devices. With a single tap, you’ll stay informed about new tools to control lights, thermostats, or cameras, keeping your home connected and up to date.

These updates show Google’s commitment to making Android devices more flexible and fun. While still in development, they hint at a future where phones do more, videos feel real, and smart homes are simpler to manage. Stay tuned for these features to roll out.

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Google recently shared tips to help users make the most of the new Panorama mode in the Pixel 9 series Camera app. This feature lets you capture wide, stunning scenes. To get great results, hold your phone steady and move it slowly while taking the shot.

Google suggests practicing in open spaces to avoid blurry images. You can also use the vertical Panorama option for tall subjects like buildings or trees, a handy addition for creative photos. For best results, lock the exposure before starting to keep lighting consistent across the panorama.

In other news, Google unveiled the NotebookLM app for Android and iPhone, set to launch in beta around May 20, 2025, during I/O 2025. This app, previously a website, helps users organize notes and research. It has a simple design with tabs for recent and shared notebooks, plus a button to create new ones.

You can upload PDFs, web links, or YouTube videos, and even share content directly from other apps. The app offers an Audio Overview feature, letting you listen to summaries offline with a fun waveform display. Users can ask questions to AI hosts for deeper insights.

Both the Panorama mode and NotebookLM app show Google’s focus on making tools user-friendly and creative. The Camera app’s Panorama tips help anyone take better photos, while NotebookLM’s mobile app makes research easier on the go. Stay tuned for the NotebookLM beta on Google Play and the iOS App Store