Gemini Live for Android has recently added an important feature that enhances user interaction by providing on-screen captions. This functionality allows users to engage with the assistant without needing to rely on sound, making it particularly useful in quieter settings.
The update has begun rolling out with version 16.23 of the Google app, available across both stable and beta channels. When initiating a Gemini Live session, users will notice a new captions button at the top-right corner of the interface.
Tapping this button opens a floating box that displays a text version of Gemini’s spoken responses, with the captions positioned in the center of the screen. While the system does not provide a real-time transcript of the user’s input, this information can be accessed at the conclusion of a session.
Captions are featured only when users are engaged in the full-screen Live interface. If they leave this mode during a session, the captions will disappear but will reappear upon re-entering.
Once activated, the captions remain enabled for future conversations, eliminating the need for users to reset the feature each time. Additionally, a ‘Caption preferences’ menu has been introduced in the settings, offering users greater customization regarding the display of captions.
Previously, users faced challenges when the phone’s volume was set too low to begin conversations, as they could not interact with the assistant effectively. This update has removed that barrier, allowing prompts to be spoken quietly while users can read the replies.
Overall, this new captions feature may seem minor, but it significantly enhances usability by addressing a practical limitation. This development reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to refining Gemini Live based on real user experiences, making it a more accessible tool in various situations.