The One UI 7 Beta is now rolling out for the Galaxy S24 series, bringing a host of exciting updates and new features. One of the most exciting additions is the Now Bar, which promises to enhance the user experience by making app interactions more convenient and accessible. While the feature initially supports Samsung’s own apps, there are signs that third-party apps—like Gemini Live—could also get deeper integration in future updates.
What Is the One UI 7 Now Bar?
As an equivalent of Apple’s iPhone feature Dynamic Island, Samsung introduces its version: Now Bar. It gives access to controlling applications and expanded views right from the lock screen, which means you are not going to have to unlock your phone and wait for that app to open just so you can interact with it for a bit. The aim is to make it less interruptive for your workflow while still giving you that smooth app navigation.
Gemini Live on One UI 7
Reports suggest that the One UI 7 beta is indicating Gemini Live to be a part of this new lock screen experience. The feature isn’t live yet, but lines of code found in the beta version of the Google app hint that Samsung is working on integrating the AI assistant into the Now Bar.
At this point, it is still unclear how exactly Gemini Live would appear on the lock screen, but there are a few possibilities. One likely scenario is that it could be shown as a small widget, as is the case with iOS. This widget could show a very simple interface and options like Hold or End in order to be able to interact with the assistant without unlocking the phone.
The other option is a live card widget that could display what Gemini Live is processing in the background in real-time. The widget could be collapsible or expandable to provide more information as needed.
What’s Next?
The company is yet to polish most of these, and there should be a ton of more info coming through since the One UI 7 Beta release. Currently in the second version, there’s going to be a third very soon, probably before One UI 7 can get fully available to users; maybe there’ll be a new version that may even offer another unique twist such as a new Gemini Live exclusive to the Now Bar.
Stay tuned as more information comes in and watch for updates over the next few weeks!
