Google is reportedly preparing to introduce “Projects” for Gemini on Android, marking a promising advancement towards task-focused AI workspaces on mobile devices. New user interface elements discovered in the latest build of the Google app suggest a New Project option, indicating that users may soon be able to create and manage projects directly on their phones instead of relying solely on the web.
Although the buttons are not yet functional and the feature is not publicly available, the presence of project list flows and hints about file upload limits demonstrate that Google is actively developing this capability for mobile. Considering that Gemini aims to facilitate work in any environment, it is logical that project management would be extended to mobile platforms as well.
What’s New in Android App Version 16.47.49
In version 16.47.49 (arm64) of the Google app, the Gemini side menu now features a Projects entry and a New Project option within the app itself. Previous indications suggested that users would need to create projects initially on the web, but this latest update points to native, on-device project creation being part of Google’s mobile roadmap. This update should reduce friction for users who primarily interact with Gemini on their phones.
The app’s text mentions the ability to link and add up to 10 files per project. These files serve as a scoped knowledge base, allowing Gemini to reference relevant sources across a workspace while avoiding unrelated context from other chats. This hints at the introduction of a long-term memory feature at the project level, similar to how corporate assistants retain documents and instructions tied to specific projects or teams. It remains unclear if the file limit will vary by subscription tier, such as Gemini Advanced or enterprise plans. Given Gemini 1.5’s large context window capabilities, it is likely future versions could support more or larger file attachments.
Importance of Projects on Mobile for Gemini Users
Projects effectively transform the AI chatbot into a dedicated workspace. Instead of juggling scattered chat threads, users can centralize prompts, instructions, and files related to specific goals—whether writing a thesis, preparing a client proposal, or resolving coding questions—and return to one place with all context intact. This approach aligns with offerings like OpenAI’s ChatGPT projects and similar workspace features from Microsoft and Anthropic, which reduce context switching and minimize errors.
Bringing this functionality to Android matches how people work today. Industry research from Comscore highlights mobile dominance, with the Google app alone exceeding 5 billion installs on the Play Store. By keeping project sources and instructions readily accessible on the primary device people use, Gemini can evolve from a simple chat interface into a portable, living dossier. This also improves quality by limiting the AI to pertinent sources within a project, reducing off-topic replies and hallucinations. For example, a marketing team could store brand guidelines, approved copy, and visual references within a campaign project to maintain consistency.
UI Enhancements Suggest Deeper Integration with NotebookLM
Beyond projects, the app is testing small but significant UI reorganizations. An account switcher appears poised to include a shortcut to NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered note-taking and research tool. This places NotebookLM just a tap away from Gemini, promoting a workflow where research and conversational drafts coexist seamlessly.
Additionally, Gemini’s scheduled actions—the tasks users instruct the assistant to perform—are moving from hidden settings to the main side menu. This repositioning may boost user awareness and adoption, enabling more automation of routine tasks and delivering meaningful productivity gains.
Remaining Questions and What to Watch
Some details are still unknown. Will projects sync seamlessly across Android, iOS, and web platforms? What file types and sizes will be supported at launch? How will team sharing operate, and what enterprise controls will administrators have within Google Workspace?
The rollout timing remains unclear. Features identified in pre-release app versions are often behind server-side flags or deployed through staged experiments. However, the existence of in-app project creation, file limitations, and menu updates suggest that projects are a near-term priority in Gemini’s mobile development.
Properly implemented projects on Android could enhance Gemini’s competitiveness by anchoring conversations within durable workspaces. For users, this means less hunting for context, fewer duplicate document uploads, and an assistant that retains relevant information exactly where it belongs.
