Google’s Project Astra Powers Camera and Screen Sharing Capabilities in Gemini Live

The wait is finally over! As promised at MWC earlier this month, Google has started rolling out Project Astra-powered camera and screen sharing capabilities to Gemini Live. This exciting development marks a significant step forward in the world of live video streaming and interactive communication.

What’s New?

For those who may have missed the announcement, Project Astra is a new feature that enables seamless camera and screen sharing capabilities in Gemini Live. The first report of an Android user activating the Gemini overlay and seeing the new “Share screen with Live” button has surfaced, and it’s a game-changer. With this feature, users can share their entire screen (with single app sharing unavailable) and interact with the world in real-time.

Real-Time Camera Capabilities

But that’s not all! The new real-time camera capabilities allow users to switch to their front-facing camera, making it easier to interact with others in a more personal and engaging way. This feature is accessed by opening the full Gemini Live interface and starting a video stream. A button in the bottom-right corner lets you switch to your front-facing camera, making it easy to switch between camera views.

Rollout and Availability

It’s no surprise that Google is slowly rolling out this feature and ramping up availability. This is not yet live on the devices we checked today, but it’s expected to become more widely available in the coming days. Gemini Live also makes use of a new phone call-style notification and a more compact fullscreen interface, although these are not yet widely rolled out.

Device Support

So, which devices can expect to get Project Astra capabilities? According to Google, Gemini Advanced subscribers (AI Premium starts at $19.99 per month) and Android devices in general will have access to this feature. However, it’s worth noting that Pixel and Galaxy S25 series owners will be “among the first to get Project Astra capabilities like screen sharing and live video streaming.” There doesn’t appear to be any technical reason to gate Astra to specific devices, so it’s possible that other devices may also be supported in the future.

iPhone Support

While Google has yet to talk about expanded support for iPhone users, it’s likely that this feature will be available on iOS devices as well. However, Talk Live with for photos, files, and YouTube videos is not yet available on iOS.

Conclusion

Google’s Project Astra-powered camera and screen sharing capabilities in Gemini Live are a significant step forward in the world of live video streaming and interactive communication. With this feature, users can share their entire screen and interact with others in real-time, making it easier to connect with others and share experiences. While the rollout is still underway, it’s an exciting development that has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate.

Actionable Insights

• If you’re a Gemini Advanced subscriber or an Android user, keep an eye out for the new “Share screen with Live” button in the Gemini overlay.
• If you’re a Pixel or Galaxy S25 series owner, you may be among the first to get Project Astra capabilities like screen sharing and live video streaming.
• While iPhone support is not yet confirmed, it’s likely that this feature will be available on iOS devices in the future.

Summary

Google has started rolling out Project Astra-powered camera and screen sharing capabilities to Gemini Live, marking a significant step forward in the world of live video streaming and interactive communication. With this feature, users can share their entire screen and interact with others in real-time, making it easier to connect with others and share experiences. While the rollout is still underway, it’s an exciting development that has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate.