Android users will now experience a four-color glow with the rollout of the Gemini overlay update.
New Four-Color Glow Animation for Gemini System-Wide Overlay Now Widely Available
The latest update on the rollout of the four-color glow animation for the Gemini system-wide overlay on Android is that it has largely completed its rollout as part of the Google app version 16.30 update. This update enhances the visual consistency across Android, iOS, and the web.
The new animation replaces the old blue-purple glow with a dynamic glow featuring Google’s four signature colors: red, yellow, green, and blue. This animation is triggered by gestures, such as swiping up from the bottom corners of the screen or long-pressing the power button. Opening the Gemini app icon directly does not activate the glow.
The animation unfolds in two stages: initially, all four colors glow, but then the overlay settles into a dominant light blue glow, which also matches the microphone button's ring indicator color. This creates a fresh and vibrant look that complements both Dark and Light system themes. The microphone button now features a thicker outline in Dark mode to visually align it with Light mode.
The rollout started in late June with the new four-color icon and greeting updates, expanded in early July to overlays for beta users, and since early August is widely available to stable users through the Google app 16.30 update on the Play Store. One minor exception remains: the Recents multitasking menu still shows the older icon, as this is tied to a separate system function.
To get this feature, users need to update the Google app to version 16.30 or later from the Play Store and use the appropriate gesture to summon Gemini and see the updated four-color glow animation in action. The updated Gemini app also includes Astra shortcuts for the widget.
It's worth noting that the updated blue greeting is limited to the Google app beta on Android, and the updated Gemini overlay colors are not yet widely available on devices as of today. The new Gemini app icon is rounded, and the model picker tweak in the updated Gemini app emphasizes the app’s function. These changes are not yet available on the web.
In promotional images, the Gemini app is always referred to as "Google Gemini". The Gemini app update brings a new icon to Android devices, and the four-color glow is being rolled out for the Google app beta (Version 16.30) on Android. The Gemini overlay change is intended to make the Google connection more obvious in some Gemini advertising, especially from third-party phone makers.
[1] Android Central (2022). Google Gemini app gets a new icon and color scheme on Android and iOS
[2] 9to5Google (2022). Google Gemini app on Android gets updated icon and color scheme
[3] XDA Developers (2022). Google Gemini Overlay on Android Gets a Four-Color Glow and Updated Icon
[4] Android Police (2022). Google Gemini Overlay on Android Gets a Four-Color Glow and Updated Icon
[5] The Verge (2022). Google’s Gemini app on Android is getting a four-color glow animation
- Users who want to experience the new four-color glow animation in their smartphones can update the Google app to version 16.30 or later, as this update includes the animation.
- Apart from the Google Gemini app, the new animation is also seen on various gadgets that use the Android operating system, showcasing the advancement of technology.
