Google Rolls Out Free Gemini Live Screen Sharing for All Android Users: Here’s How It Works

Google Rolls Out Gemini Live Screen and Camera Sharing Free for All Android Users

In a move set to revolutionize AI interaction on smartphones, Google has made its Gemini Live screen and camera sharing features available free of cost to all Android users. Initially intended as an exclusive perk for Gemini Advanced subscribers and select flagship models like the Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25, the features are now rolling out more broadly through the Gemini app.

The decision to make Gemini Live widely accessible was announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter), where Google shared that the expansion was driven by enthusiastic user feedback. “We’ve been hearing great feedback on Gemini Live with camera and screen share, so we decided to bring it to more people. Starting today and over the coming weeks, we’re rolling it out to all @Android users with the Gemini app. Enjoy!" the post read.

Though the update has begun rolling out, it may take several days or weeks to become available on all compatible devices. Users will need the latest version of the Gemini app installed on their Android smartphones to access the feature.

What is Gemini Live?

Gemini Live is an advanced feature that enables users to interact with Google’s AI assistant through real-time screen and camera inputs. This means users can ask questions or request assistance based on content directly visible on their screen or captured through their phone’s camera.

For instance, if you’re reading a document, navigating an app, or watching a video, you can activate Gemini Live and ask the AI to explain, summarize, or provide suggestions based on what it “sees.” Similarly, with the camera sharing feature, users can point their device at physical objects or scenes — like a museum artifact, book, or even a product label — and receive relevant information instantly.

How to Use Gemini Live

To initiate screen sharing, users need to:

1. Open the Gemini overlay from the app.

2. Tap on the “Share screen with Live” chip.

3. Confirm the action, after which a small timer will appear in the status bar to indicate that screen sharing is active.

A notification styled like a phone call will alert users that Gemini Live is running, and a gentle vibration will signal when the assistant begins responding. Users can end screen sharing anytime via the notification shade by tapping “Stop sharing.”

The camera sharing works similarly:

1. Launch the full-screen Gemini Live mode.

2. Tap the camera icon on the left to activate sharing.

3. A viewfinder appears, and users can toggle between front and rear cameras using a control in the lower-right corner.

This allows for contextual, real-time interactions — like pointing your camera at plants to ask for care tips or at a dish to ask for a recipe.

The Tech Behind the Feature

The features are powered by Astra, Google’s advanced visual AI system that debuted at Google I/O 2024. Astra enhances Gemini’s ability to interpret complex visual input, such as dynamic content on a phone screen or the real world captured by the camera. Gemini had already supported image, PDF, and video interactions, but the new features bring a more immersive and interactive experience to everyday use.

This expansion by Google comes amid growing competition in the AI assistant space. Microsoft, for example, recently announced that its CoPilot Vision feature — which offers similar screen-sharing capabilities — is now available for free via the Edge browser.

By opening up access to powerful tools like Gemini Live, Google is not only democratizing cutting-edge AI but also encouraging broader adoption of real-world, context-aware digital assistants. Android users can now experience a smarter, more intuitive interface — without needing to pay extra or own a high-end device.