Here's a glimpse of how Bard-powered Google Assistant will look on your Pixel phone

While Assistant with Bard was introduced in October 2023 and certain features were made available then, the broader integration with Android and iOS devices is still undergoing limited testing and experimentation. Google hasn’t announced an official release date for the full Assistant with Bard functionality, but we are beginning to see signs that the official launch is inching ever so closer.

Users will still be able to access the AI through familiar methods such as long-pressing the Power button or using the voice command “Hey Google.” But in the latest development, first reported by 9to5Google following an APK teardown of the latest Google app, the company plans to feature the Assistant with Bard experience prominently on the Discover page of the Google Search app.

A new button, resembling a physical slider switch, has been added at the top of the page above the Google logo, allowing users to easily switch between a regular Google Search and Assistant with Bard. But for now, it remains unclear whether this addition to the Discover tab is a permanent feature intended to remind users to explore Assistant with Bard or just something temporary.

9to5Google managed to peek behind the curtain, revealing the actual popup window for interacting with Assistant with Bard, which first appeared at the Pixel 8 launch event. This window lets you type, speak, or even share photos with Bard through handy buttons at the bottom.

In a bid to push for the adoption of Assistant with Bard, you’ll be seeing a more prominent prompt in Google Search urging you to switch over to the new experience. The message appears above the Assistant sheet with suggestions of how it can be of use to users as well as a ‘Try now’ button to get you started.

Of course, there’s still no word on when Assistant with Bard will be fully available, but this is a sign that it won’t be long.

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