At last year’s Google I/O, the company demonstrated the next evolution of its Gemini with Project Astra. It allows Gemini to see what’s on your phone screen or the world around you, and lets you engage with the AI in real time. Now, Google is ready to finally bring this Gemini Live experience to everyone as the camera and screen sharing features are now available for a few Pixel and Samsung phones.
Google has announced that Gemini Live‘s camera and screen sharing features are available for free on Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 series of devices. This includes the Pixel 9a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Earlier, we reported that the feature was only available for users with a Google One subscription.
It’s here: ask Gemini about anything you see. Share your screen or camera in Gemini Live to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and more.
Rolling out to Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 devices today and available for all Advanced users on @Android in the Gemini app:… pic.twitter.com/fjTD4qhvjz
— Google Gemini App (@GeminiApp) April 7, 2025
Hands-On with Gemini Live’s Camera and Screen Sharing Feature
We have the feature running on our Pixel 9 Pro XL, and I gave it a shot to test its AI smarts. I asked it about some of the props we have at the Beebom office, as well as other stuff. It recognized everything accurately, and even shared additional information on it. I didn’t have to point at it or anything, it understands what’s in focus and hence what I am asking about.
The same goes when screen sharing. I asked about a recent OnePlus story, and Gemini Live summarized it quite well. Moreover, I tried a more practical use, like asking it to “help me set up bedtime mode“. It helped me with step-by-step instructions throughout the process without any fuss.
The best part, I can engage with Gemini in real-time without waiting for it to process and fetch the results. It’s like having a friend on a video call and asking them about stuff, and it will only get better. Even the Gemini UI shows up similar to a call notification, with Hang up and Hold buttons. It almost had me impressed, but then I came across the inaccuracies.
It’s Still a Work in Progress…
However, Gemini’s not perfect. It needed a second guess at times to correctly identify some objects, and struggled with fancy fonts as it couldn’t make out what’s written on my water bottle, mistaking a “B” for a “G”.
When asked about when the Pixel 6 will receive its last update, Gemini incorrectly mentioned 2024 as it’s last supported year. Even though the device is said to receive updates till 2026, after Google shared their change of plans for older Pixels. This isn’t a few minor hiccups, as the problems continued when screen sharing with Gemini Live.
I asked about the specs of the upcoming OnePlus 13T, as written in the article on the screen. It kept struggling with the processor name, repeating Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, even though the correct name is right there on the screen. I corrected it a couple of times, and it went further back, quoting the phone will feature 8 Gen 2. That’s when I gave up on it and tried again.
On the second attempt, it summarized the story with flying colors, as I have mentioned above. These problems make me wonder whether this feature uses an older model of Gemini, which doesn’t have up-to-date information. That can’t be the case, and even if it is, the AI shouldn’t mistake the data right there on the screen.
Gemini’s Interactive AI has Great Potential
Google will eventually iron out these minor inconveniences, so I’ll only focus on the positives. Having worked in tech, it is rare for me to get amazed by some new technology, especially something AI-driven. But this one had me impressed, as I can see real-life implications of it right away.
The feature has its quirks, so I wouldn’t say you can be completely dependent on it. I won’t say it for any AI-powered feature. But there is potential, and it is genuinely amazing what Google has done here. I will continue testing this feature and report back on my usage sometime later.
Till then, if you have a Pixel 9 or a Galaxy S25 device, then do give it a shot. Let us know your thoughts on this new Gemini feature. Try it out, and tell us if you faced any inaccuracies or issues with it in the comments below.
Source: Beebom
