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Google's Gemini App Gets a Makeover: Notifications, Filters, and More

Google is giving its Gemini app a fresh coat of paint, and the changes go beyond a new color scheme. The company is testing a revamped interface that could turn Gemini from a simple chatbot into a full-fledged productivity hub. Android Authority got a sneak peek by digging into the latest Google app beta, and here's what they found.

A Cleaner Chat List

One of the most noticeable tweaks is how your conversations are organized. Right now, pinned chats sit right in the "Recent" list, which can get cluttered. The new design would lift pinned chats above the recent ones, giving you instant access to your most important conversations. It's a small change, but it makes a world of difference when you're juggling multiple threads.

There's also a new search bar at the top of the sidebar, complete with a magnifying glass icon. Instead of scrolling endlessly, you can just type a keyword and jump straight to the chat you need.

A Home for Notifications

Gemini has been quietly sending you notifications for tasks and briefs, but there's been no central place to see them all. That's about to change. The test version shows a bell icon next to the search button, hinting at a dedicated "Notifications" section. Imagine all your reminders, task updates, and Gemini Briefs in one tidy spot—no more digging through your phone's notification shade.

Smarter Chat Filters

The "Recently Used" page is getting a filter upgrade too. Instead of typing keywords, you'll be able to sort chats by status. The filters spotted so far include "Unread," "Ready," "Needs Attention," and "In Progress." The last two are likely tied to Gemini Spark tasks, so you can quickly see which conversations need your input and which are humming along.

Gemini Spark Gets a Customization Hub

Gemini Spark, Google's always-on AI agent, is also getting some love. A new "Customize" page is in the works, where you'll be able to manage Spark's skills, connect apps, and browse recommended content by category—think "Efficiency" or "Creativity." You'll also be able to see and control which third-party apps are linked, putting you in the driver's seat.

Hide That Icon

Finally, Google is testing a way to hide the Gemini status bar icon. You know that little four-pointed star that pops up when Gemini runs in the background? Soon, you might be able to switch it off, giving your Android status bar a cleaner look.

What It All Means

These features aren't live yet, and Google hasn't announced a release date. But the direction is clear: Gemini is evolving from a chat tool into a platform that manages tasks, connects apps, and acts as a smart agent. It's a bold move, and if these changes roll out, Gemini could become a lot more useful in your daily routine.

Key Points

  • Chat organization: Pinned chats will be separated from recent ones, and a new search bar is coming.
  • Notification center: A dedicated section for task reminders and Gemini Briefs is in the works.
  • Chat filters: Filter by status like "Unread" or "Needs Attention" to find conversations fast.
  • Gemini Spark customization: Manage skills, app connections, and recommended content in one place.
  • Status bar icon: Option to hide the Gemini icon for a cleaner look.

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