In its recent announcement, Google highlighted the enhancements to its Gemini app, stating that users shouldn’t have to guess what type of task to execute. This statement reflects a commitment to improving user experience with voice commands for various tasks. However, the abundance of distinct features with individual branding can complicate matters instead of simplifying them.
Within the Gemini app, users can toggle between three functionalities: chat, Spark, and Daily Brief. Each feature has its own icon and spot in the navigation menu. This design can make the app feel overwhelming, indicating that Gemini is still on the hunt for a standout capability.
Consider the Daily Brief feature, which seems to be more aimed at AI developers than everyday users. It functions as an AI-driven agenda that provides “proactive, personalized updates” from Google’s ecosystem, including services like Gmail and Calendar. Nevertheless, it struggles to differentiate between what is urgent or actionable and what is simply a nudge to revisit past activities—like reminding users about earlier Google searches or ongoing chatbot conversations.
This aspect comes across as more unsettling than helpful. Just because I researched certain topics like college scholarships doesn’t mean I want reminders about them later on.
On the flip side, Spark is one of the more valuable features in the Gemini app, acting as an AI agent that performs tasks autonomously. However, it has been presented as a distinct entity, which adds unnecessary complexity. While engineers at Google might prefer this structure, everyday users shouldn’t have to choose between different “modes” to complete a task; they should simply state their request, and the AI should manage the appropriate response, activating an agent if needed.
This issue extends beyond Gemini; it reflects a broader trend within the AI industry. Users often confront the intricate inner workings of AI instead of enjoying a streamlined interface.
Currently, users need to decide whether they want to engage with options such as Anthropic’s Claude in a conversational mode or in a collaborative one, which recently lacked memory sharing between these modes. Similarly, ChatGPT requires users to switch between “Chat” and “Work,” showcasing a technical design that can make AI interactions feel cumbersome. Rather than providing intuitive engagement, consumers are burdened with remembering specific branding for various functionalities.
In contrast, Apple takes a more understated approach with Siri, which may resonate better with consumers. Users of iPhones or other Apple products can benefit from smarter features like Spotlight Search and Siri without needing to adapt to a new system.
This principle might also account for the growing popularity of text-based AI services, where users can communicate with chatbots using simple text messages. This method provides a clear and familiar interface that doesn’t require any extra mental effort to navigate a complex app.
As noted by investment partner Justine Moore from a16z, “People don’t want to open an app every time they need help – they look for a contact they can message like a friend. The ideal experience is akin to iMessage.”
