Google is testing a new attachment feature for its Gemini Live AI chat, allowing users to add files from their device or Google Drive while the conversation remains active.
New button appears in latest Google app build
According to a report, version 17.43.11 of the Google app contains a hidden button that replaces the existing screen‑sharing control in Gemini Live. Pressing the button opens a menu offering three choices: share the screen, attach a photo or file stored on the phone, or import a document directly from Google Drive.
The change follows recent redesign work on the Gemini launcher for Android, where the company introduced “neural” visual elements. The attachment menu, however, does not yet use the new design language and remains a test feature.
Current capabilities and limitations
Gemini Live already lets users stream video from their camera, show what’s on the screen, or share a live view to give the AI more context. It also integrates with several Google apps, including Keep, Maps, Calendar and Tasks, to pull or push information.
Until now, users who needed to send a file had to end the live session and start a regular Gemini chat. The new button could eliminate that extra step, but the feature is still in early development. The prototype does not generate responses based on the attached content, and the interface is not yet public.
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Google has not announced a rollout date, and the attachment option is not visible to the general public. The firm appears to be gathering internal feedback before finalizing the UI and functionality.
The practical impact of this change could be significant for professionals who rely on real‑time collaboration. Being able to drop a spreadsheet, PDF, or image into a live AI conversation would streamline workflows that currently require switching between apps. If the feature matures, it may reduce friction for tasks such as reviewing documents, troubleshooting technical issues, or planning events, where visual references are essential.
Google’s development cycle suggests the attachment capability could appear in a future update of the Gemini app, possibly alongside the broader visual redesign. Until then, users will need to continue using the existing methods to share content with the AI.
Potential use cases include collaborative budgeting, rapid prototype feedback, and on‑the‑fly code review.
As AI assistants become more embedded in daily workflows, reducing the steps required to provide context will likely improve productivity across many industries.
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