Google’s Pixel phones may soon borrow a trick from Samsung’s Now Bar

10 hours ago 3

Google might be working on its own version of Samsung’s Now Bar, according to new details spotted in the latest

Android 16 beta. The feature, called "Gemini Space," could be a major step forward for Google’s At a Glance widget, offering more real-time information on the lock screen.

As reported based on

findings through a deep dive of the underlying code, traces of this new experience first appeared in last month’s Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 release. A new system configuration file named "Ambient Data" was added, which appears to be the internal codename for Gemini Space. That file was found in firmware for both the

Pixel 9 Pro and

Pixel 8 Pro, suggesting the feature won’t be limited to the upcoming

Pixel 10.

Other clues point to an "Ambience Hub," though it’s not clear how it will work. The name suggests a new interface for showing useful data on the lock screen or always-on display. This would align with other Google features that use “ambient” in their name, such as ambient display or ambient AOD.

More interestingly, the Android System Intelligence app — which powers the current At a Glance widget — now includes hints about sports scores and finance updates. A toggle for finance recaps was even found in the At a Glance settings, further supporting the idea that these updates could appear as part of Gemini Space.

OneUI's Now Bar and Now Brief was a welcome addition when it launched with the Galaxy S25 series. | Image credit — PhoneArena

All signs point to Google preparing a rebranded and upgraded version of At a Glance. If true, Gemini Space would serve a similar purpose to Samsung’s Now Bar and Now Brief — the former being a live info chip on the lock screen, and the latter offering a full-page summary of your day.

While some may say that At a Glance already covers this, Pixel phones don’t have anything quite like the Now Brief: a dedicated, rich feed of contextual updates accessible right from the lock screen. That could change if Gemini Space and the rumored Ambience Hub roll out as expected.

Whether this will be a Pixel 10 exclusive or come to older models remains to be seen, but the feature looks like a natural evolution of At a Glance — and perhaps a strategic way to keep

Gemini AI front and center.

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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.

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