Google Play Store’s new UI test and launch of standalone ‘Google Gemini’ app for iPhone
Google Play Store Testing New Bottom Sheet UI for App Listings
Google Play Store constantly experiments with user interface (UI) enhancements to improve the overall experience. Recently, it has started testing a new design when users open an app listing through external links, like a URL shared via another app.
What’s New in the UI Update?
Traditionally, when you click on a Play Store link from an external source, it opens the app listing in a full-screen view. The new test version, however, introduces a “bottom sheet” interface that offers two different styles:
- Detailed Bottom Sheet: This version displays the app information, screenshots, ratings, and an “Install” button, all within a bottom sheet panel.
- Quick View with Full Details Option: This variant shows limited app information with an option to “View Full Details,” which, when tapped, opens the full-screen version of the app listing.
The bottom sheet UI also includes a dismiss button (an “X” icon) in the top-right corner. Tapping it will close the panel and return you to your previous screen. Unlike the previous design where a simple back swipe took you directly back to the app you were using, this new approach adds an extra step, potentially requiring a second swipe to return to the original app.
Standalone ‘Google Gemini’ App Spotted on iPhone with Gemini Live Access
Google’s AI product, Gemini, initially integrated into the Google (Search) app, is now available as a standalone application for iPhone. This move is part of Google’s efforts to expand Gemini’s presence and make it more accessible to iOS users.
Features of the Standalone ‘Google Gemini’ App
- Dedicated App with Home Screen Icon: The new app, named “Google Gemini,” adds a shortcut directly on your iPhone’s home screen, making it easier to access without opening the main Google app.
- Access to Gemini Live: The most notable feature of the standalone app is the ability to use Gemini Live. This live activity feature allows users to interact with Gemini even when they are using other apps, offering a seamless AI experience.
- Direct Access Through Widgets: Previously, users needed to switch to the “Gemini” tab inside the Google app. However, the recent update has introduced a widget that provides a direct shortcut to Gemini, enhancing user convenience.
Currently, there is only one report of the standalone app being downloadable in the Philippines. The App Store listing shows the app is unavailable in regions like the US, suggesting Google is conducting limited testing before a wider release.
Comparison with Current Google App Gemini Experience
The standalone app’s functionality is similar to accessing Gemini via the Google app or the web version at gemini.google.com. However, Google has yet to update the UI for the iPhone experience to match its Android counterpart. By making Gemini a standalone app, Google may be able to push updates more frequently, similar to how Google Assistant operates independently on iOS.
What to Expect Next
The Play Store’s UI test and the launch of the standalone Google Gemini app on iPhone are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve user interaction and experience across platforms. The new Play Store bottom sheet UI aims to streamline navigation, while the standalone Gemini app provides quicker access to Google’s AI capabilities.
With these updates, Google is making strategic moves to enhance user experience and ensure consistent access to its services, regardless of the device or platform. Expect further improvements and broader releases in the coming months as testing progresses and user feedback is integrated.
Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.
This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.
If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.
This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.
Chrome’s Improved Security
Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.
Redesigned Google Search Bar
The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.
Better Play Store Downloads
The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.
These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!
-
Apps1 year agoGboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News1 year agoSamsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News1 year ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News1 year agoSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News1 year ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
News1 year agoSatellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
Apps12 months agoGoogle’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
Apps10 months agoGoogle Contacts app testing new Besties Widget