Gemini app users on Android have reason to be excited as more of them can now access the Astra Live camera and screen sharing capabilities. Initially announced by Google to start rolling out in March, the feature has been making its way to users over the past few weeks, with increasing reports of availability.
On a recent Saturday, Google shared an update, stating they are “working hard to make it available to more people.” This commitment was underlined earlier in the week when a support article went live, offering insights into the functionality. Particularly, it highlighted that any Android device subscribed to Gemini Advanced will support these new features.
Experiencing Astra Live on Pixel Phones
Our firsthand experience with Astra Live came today when it went live on two of our Pixel phones across different Google Accounts in both the US and Europe. It’s important to note, however, that these features were not available on other devices logged into the same Google accounts, indicating a still gradual rollout. Yet, the buzz is certainly growing, with many more users reporting access than in previous weeks.
Engaging with Gemini Live’s New Features
Once Astra is rolled out to your device, you might encounter a prompt within the Gemini app encouraging you to “Share your camera or screen with Gemini Live.” This feature is framed by Google as a tool to enhance interactions, whether you’re discussing ideas, learning about your surroundings, or seeking assistance with what’s displayed on your screen.
The process to launch Gemini Live is straightforward. A new button has been added to the compact bottom row of the app to open the camera. Users have the flexibility to switch to the front-facing camera using a newly introduced button in the corner. The importance of steady movements for better results is emphasized through an on-screen prompt when the viewfinder is active.
Furthermore, screen sharing can be initiated from the same fullscreen interface or by opening the Gemini overlay from anywhere on your phone and selecting “Share screen with Live.” A privacy prompt follows, ensuring users are comfortable with sharing their screen with Google. Once confirmed, a live count appears in the status bar next to the time, keeping you informed about the ongoing share.
Checking Availability and Ensuring Smooth Performance
To check if Astra is available on your device, a useful tip is to force stop the Gemini (Google) app before launching Live. This might refresh the app’s state and possibly trigger the new features if they are ready to roll out to your device.
The introduction of Astra Live by Gemini marks a significant enhancement in how Android users can interact with their devices, bringing a more integrated and interactive experience to the daily digital routines of many. With its gradual rollout, the anticipation among Android users continues to build, promising a new era of mobile communication and assistance.
