Google adds song identification to Gemini but clunkily kicks users out of the app

Google has added song identification capabilities to Gemini on Android, allowing users to ask “What song is this?” to trigger the same Song Search interface used by Google Assistant. However, the feature currently launches a separate full-screen interface through the Google app rather than staying within Gemini itself, creating a less seamless experience compared to existing alternatives.

How it works: The new feature leverages Google’s existing Song Search technology but requires users to leave the Gemini interface.

• Users can ask Gemini “What song is this?” which then opens the Google app’s full-screen listening interface.
• The tool can identify music from your environment, playlists, or even hummed melodies.
• Results appear in Google Search rather than as inline Gemini responses.
• The feature requires manually restarting the interface to identify multiple songs consecutively.

The limitations: Gemini’s song identification feels clunky compared to more integrated solutions already available on Android.

• The feature kicks users out of Gemini and into the Google app, breaking the conversational flow.
• It doesn’t work within Gemini Live’s conversational experience.
• Currently Android-only with no iOS availability.
• Results don’t appear as native Gemini responses but redirect to Google Search.

How it compares: Google Assistant’s Now Playing feature remains superior in terms of user experience.

• Assistant’s Now Playing works offline and shows results inline with album art.
• It can be triggered via voice command or lock screen shortcut without switching apps.
• Pixel’s Now Playing Assistant handles the experience more seamlessly than Gemini’s current implementation.
• Both tools pull from the same song database, so accuracy is comparable.

Why this matters: The addition signals Google’s commitment to evolving Gemini into a comprehensive AI assistant that matches Google Assistant’s capabilities.

• It brings back a key Assistant-era feature that users have been requesting.
• The implementation suggests Google is actively responding to user feedback as Gemini develops.
• Despite current limitations, it represents progress toward making Gemini a more complete voice assistant alternative.