At the end of last month, Google rolled out an update for Google Messages on Android, which now includes the option to turn off the Gemini button.
What is the Gemini Button in Google Messages?
The Gemini button is a small floating action button (FAB) that appears above the rectangular “Start chat” FAB in Google Messages. It allows users to quickly open the Gemini conversation.
How to Disable the Gemini Button
Google has now provided an option to hide this button. To turn off the Gemini button, follow these steps:
1. Open Google Messages.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select “Gemini in Messages.”
4. Toggle off “Show Gemini button.”
User Experience and Feedback
Many users felt that Google should have offered this option from the start. The Gemini button is quite prominent, and its position above the “Start chat” button can be intrusive. When scrolling through the conversation list, the rectangular Gemini button shrinks to a rounded square, but the sparkle container around it remains the same size.
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Availability
This new setting to disable the Gemini button is widely available in the beta channel (version 20240808_01_RC00). However, it is not yet available in the stable release of Google Messages, even though the button itself is present.
Future Updates
As the setting is already available in the beta version, it is likely that Google will roll out this feature to the stable release soon. This will allow all users to customize their Google Messages experience and remove the Gemini button if they find it unnecessary.
Conclusion
Google’s update to allow users to turn off the Gemini button in Google Messages is a welcome change. It provides more customization options and addresses user feedback regarding the prominence of the Gemini button. For those who are part of the beta channel, the setting is already available, and it should be rolled out to the stable release soon.
