Google might be gearing up to give Pixel users a smarter lock screen experience—something that feels a lot like Samsung’s Now Bar. A new feature in the works, known internally as Gemini Space, could offer real-time, glanceable info straight from the lock screen, setting the stage for a more interactive Pixel 10 series.
Samsung introduced the Now Bar with One UI 7, then enhanced it with Android 16’s Live Updates in One UI 8. The feature lets Galaxy users check things like live sports scores or reminders without unlocking their phones. Now, it seems Google is developing a similar feature for its Pixel lineup.
According to Android Authority, a new “Ambient Data” system config file has appeared in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 firmware for the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro. Internally, it’s called Gemini Space, and it’s expected to debut with the Pixel 10 series in August 2025.
Hints from the Android System Intelligence app—responsible for powering Pixel’s At a Glance widget—suggest Gemini Space will surface info like finance updates and sports scores on the always-on display. Another feature, called Ambience Hub, might act as the central interface for this, possibly replacing or expanding the current At a Glance experience.
While details are still thin on how Ambience Hub will work in practice, it could build on Google’s existing Ambient AOD and Ambient Display features to deliver quick, useful updates without needing to unlock the phone. It’s another sign of Google doubling down on making Pixel devices more helpful and context-aware—especially as Samsung continues to set the bar high for lock screen utility.
We’ll have to wait and see just how polished Gemini Space turns out to be, but it’s clear that Google wants its lock screen to do more—and maybe, even outshine Samsung’s approach.
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The post Google’s Gemini Space may bring Samsung’s Now Bar to Pixel phones appeared first on Gizmochina.
