Google has unveiled a revamped side panel for the web version of its AI chatbot, Gemini. This redesign introduces an infinite scrolling feature, allowing users to navigate through older conversations more efficiently. The updated layout enhances the visibility of Gems, while consolidating various menu options that were previously found under “Settings & help.” The new design began rolling out earlier this month and is now reaching a broader audience.
Gemini’s Side Panel on the Web Gets a Makeover
According to 9to5Google, the new side panel provides several enhancements aimed at improving user experience. The adjustment in icon positioning aims to create a cleaner layout, positioning more critical options prominently for user convenience. The inclusion of infinite scrolling allows users to easily access past chats without the limitation of a paginated format.
Staff at Gadgets 360 have reported accessing the updated side panel on both the standard and Advanced versions of Gemini, suggesting that the redesign is available to all users.
Upon accessing the side panel through the ‘hamburger’ menu, users will notice a new chat option that lacks the previous pill-shaped outline, while the plus icon has been substituted with a pencil and writing pad symbol.
The feature known as Gems Manager has been rebranded to “Explore Gems” and now occupies the secondary position on the panel. Gems represent custom mini chatbots designed to carry out specific tasks based on a defined knowledge base.
In addition to the infinite scrolling for recent conversations, the prior version of the panel displayed only five recent chats (along with pinned discussions) and required users to tap on “more” to view additional conversations. The revamped design rectifies this limitation by enabling users to continuously scroll through their entire chat history with Gemini. However, it is notable that a search function for quickly locating specific conversations is not included — a feature available on competitors like ChatGPT.
Moreover, the “Settings” menu has been relabeled to “Settings & help” and now encompasses Help and Activity options that were previously accessible directly in the side panel. The updated settings menu retains existing features such as Apps, Dark Theme, and Feedback.
