News in Short

• Google could be working on an ephemeral video mode for Gemini Live.
• References to the feature appeared in a Google app Android build.
• The code mentions “Ephemeral Video Mode in Live”.
• The mode could allow temporary video input during Gemini Live sessions.
• Gemini’s temporary chats currently do not support Live sessions.
• Google has not confirmed the feature or its release timeline.

Google could be preparing a new privacy-focused feature for Gemini Live. References found inside an Android app build point to an “Ephemeral Video Mode in Live”.

The feature could give users a temporary way to use video during Gemini Live conversations. However, Google has not announced it yet. The available code also does not reveal exactly how the feature would handle session data.

Here is what the reported feature could mean for Gemini users.

Google Gemini Live Could Get a Temporary Video Mode

The references reportedly appeared in version 17.59.17.sa.arm64 of the Google app for Android.

An APK teardown found two strings linked to an “Ephemeral Video Mode in Live”. One reportedly describes an option that enables ephemeral mode for video input during Live sessions.

The strings suggest that Google is exploring the feature. Still, they do not confirm how it will work when or if it reaches users.

What Could Ephemeral Video Mode Do?

Based on the available strings, Gemini Live could eventually let users share video temporarily during a conversation.

The idea would be similar to a temporary session. Users could potentially show Gemini something through the camera without keeping that video interaction for future reference.

However, this remains an interpretation of the discovered code. The report notes that the available information does not explain how Google would handle the video data.

Therefore, users should not treat the feature as confirmed privacy functionality yet.

Gemini Temporary Chats Could Be Relevant

The reported feature also appears to connect with Gemini’s existing temporary chat concept.

Gemini already offers temporary conversations. These sessions are designed for interactions that do not become part of the user’s regular conversation history.

At present, however, temporary chats do not support Gemini Live. The reported video mode could potentially bring a similar temporary option to Live conversations.

Google has not confirmed that this is the purpose of the feature.

Why Video Privacy Matters for Gemini Live

Gemini Live allows users to interact with the AI through more natural conversations. Adding video can make those interactions more useful because users can show the AI what they are seeing.

For example, a user could potentially use Live to discuss something visible through the camera. That also means the nature of the information shared with the AI can become more sensitive.

An ephemeral option could give users greater control over such sessions if Google implements it as a temporary experience.

However, the current discovery does not provide enough information to determine exactly what would happen to video data after a session.

Feature Is Still Unconfirmed

The biggest limitation is that Google has not announced an ephemeral video mode for Gemini Live.

The feature comes from references discovered in an Android app build. Such references can point to features under development, but they do not guarantee a public rollout.

Google could also change how the feature works before release. It could even decide not to launch it.

For now, the two strings remain the only indication of Google’s plans for an ephemeral mode in Gemini Live.

What Gemini Live Users Should Expect

If Google eventually launches the feature, an ephemeral video mode could give Gemini Live users another privacy option.

It could be particularly useful for conversations where users want Gemini to analyse something visually without treating the interaction like a regular session.

Still, the exact retention policy, availability and supported devices remain unknown.

For now, Gemini users will have to wait for Google to officially reveal whether the feature is coming and how it will work.