Gemini Live gets a calling-style makeover, Pixel 9a freebies leaked, and more

Google is rolling out some seriously cool updates for Gemini Live, and it’s about to make your conversations with AI smoother than ever. If you’ve ever wished for a more seamless way to pause, resume, or end your chats with Gemini Live, your prayers have been answered. The latest beta version of the Google app is now serving up a fresh new interface for Gemini Live, and it’s already making waves on Pixel 9 devices. Let’s dive into what’s new and why you’re going to love it.

Remember the old days (okay, a few months ago) when you had to jump through hoops to hold or resume a conversation with Gemini Live? You’d hide the app, see the Gemini icon lingering in your status bar, and then fumble through the notification panel to end or continue your chat. It worked, but it wasn’t exactly what we’d call “elegant.”

Well, Google has been listening, and they’ve given Gemini Live a sleek new makeover. The latest update introduces a call chip-style interface that replaces the old status bar icon. Now, when you’re chatting with Gemini Live, you’ll see two handy buttons right in your notification panel: one to hold or resume the conversation and another to “Hang Up.”

This update isn’t just about looks — it’s about making your life easier. The new interface reduces the number of steps needed to manage your Gemini Live conversations, which means less tapping and more talking. Whether you’re multitasking or just need a quick break, holding and resuming your chat is now as simple as tapping a button. And let’s be honest, in a world where convenience is king, this is a game-changer.

The “Hang Up” button is also a nice touch, replacing the previous “End Live mode” option. It’s a small change, but it makes the experience feel more like a natural conversation rather than a robotic interaction.

While we’re on the topic of updates, let’s not forget the other goodies Google has been rolling out for Pixel users. The February 2025 update brought a much-needed fix for the Android Auto audio bug that had been driving some users up the wall. If you’ve been dealing with glitchy audio during your car rides, this update should have you cruising in harmony again.

And for those of you eyeing the Pixel 9a, there’s even more to celebrate. Rumor has it that Google is bundling some sweet freebies with the upcoming budget-friendly device. You’ll snag 6 months of Fitbit Premium, 3 months of YouTube Premium, and 3 months of Google One with 100GB of storage. Sound familiar? It’s the same sweet deal Pixel 9 owners enjoyed, though notably, the super-sized 2TB Google One plan (the one that unlocks all the Gemini Advanced bells and whistles) isn’t included this time around.

Google’s commitment to refining Gemini Live is clear, and this latest update is proof that they’re serious about making AI interactions as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. With the new call chip interface, holding and resuming conversations feels natural, and the added convenience is a win for anyone who relies on Gemini Live for quick info or casual chats.

So, Pixel fans, if you’re rocking the latest beta version of the Google app, go ahead and give Gemini Live a spin. And if you’re not? Well, this might just be the nudge you need to join the beta program. After all, who doesn’t want to be on the cutting edge of AI convenience?

Stay tuned for more updates, and keep your Pixels charged — there’s always something exciting on the horizon.