Google is working on a handy new feature for its AI, Gemini, that could make voice conversations feel a lot more natural. Right now, unless you use Gemini Live mode, the AI often cuts you off if you pause while speaking. But with this new update, users might soon be able to have uninterrupted voice chats without the frustration.
How the Feature Was Discovered
The feature was spotted during an APK teardown of the Google app (version 16.42.61) by Android Authority. The code hints at something called a mic lock function. Here’s how it works: users can long-press the mic button in Gemini’s input box, which will then “lock” the microphone. This lets you talk, pause, think, and continue your sentence — without the AI ending your command mid-way.
How Mic Lock Works
According to screenshots from the teardown, once you hold down the mic, it changes into a stop button. You can then speak at your own pace. When you’re done, simply tap the stop button to finish and send your query to Gemini. This is a big shift from the current system, where any short pause is treated as the end of your input.
Other Small Tweaks
The teardown also revealed that Google is experimenting with some UI changes, such as an input box that expands as you type.
Will It Launch?
As with all features found in development code, there’s no guarantee this will reach the public. But if Google does roll it out, the mic lock feature could make Gemini’s voice function much easier to use, especially for people who prefer longer, more natural conversations.
