New Gemini button poised to enhance Gmail on Android

Gemini
Gemini

Top 3 Key Points:

  • The Gemini button could soon appear in the Gmail Android app.
  • New features include enhanced email summaries and task management.
  • Functionality currently mirrors Workspace integration, limited to business users.

Google’s Gemini button, a tool previously exclusive to Workspace users for email summaries and additional tasks, might soon make its debut on the Gmail Android app. This development was uncovered through an APK teardown, a method used to identify potential upcoming features from in-progress code.

The teardown, conducted by Android Authority in collaboration with AssembleDebug, reveals that the Gmail Android app version 2024.05.19.635289964 contains references to the Gemini button. Enabled via flags, this feature preview shows promise for expanding Gmail’s functionality.

Currently, Gmail for Android offers a “summarize this email” button beneath the email subject line. The new Gemini button, represented by a star icon next to the archive button, significantly broadens this capability. Users can now request reply suggestions, adjust the tone of drafts, and perform other tasks beyond email summarization.

In our tests, Gemini demonstrated the ability to retrieve information from previous emails, such as details about a past train ride. However, it did not allow access to unread emails within the chat window, indicating that full integration akin to the web version is not yet available.

While this feature promises to enhance productivity for Android users, it’s important to note that, similar to its web counterpart, the Gemini button may remain exclusive to Workspace accounts. Thus, personal Gmail users might need to wait longer for broader access.

This potential update underscores Google’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience across its platforms, integrating advanced tools like Gemini to streamline email management and task execution.