Google is turning Gemini into a gaming sidekick with a new Android overlay

Google might have found a way Gemini could be useful while you're playing games on your phone. The company is introducing a new software overlay today it calls the Play Games Sidekick that gives you access to Gemini Live while you play, alongside a host of other gaming-focused updates to Google Play that could make the app platform a better home for gamers.

Sidekick exists as a small, moveable tab in games downloaded from the Play Store that you can slide over to show relevant info and tools for whatever game you're playing. By default, that's things like easy access to a screenshot button, screen recording tools and a shortcut for going live on YouTube, but you'll see achievements and other game stats in there, too.

Google is clearly most interested in how Sidekick could serve as a delivery system for Gemini, though, so ...