Google’s developing new controls that will allow users to adjust how Gemini’s AI voice sounds. You’ll be able to tweak Speed, Energy, and potentially other characteristics. This info comes from code discovered in the Gemini Android app by 9to5Google.
What’s Being Built
Developers exploring the Gemini app’s code found hints of a voice customization system featuring at least two sliders: Speed and Energy. Speed controls how quickly the AI speaks, similar to when you speed up a podcast to 1.5x. Energy likely determines how animated or expressive the voice is. Imagine the difference between a flat, monotone delivery and a lively, engaging one.
This feature isn’t live just yet. Code found in an app before its release is often called an APK teardown (APK is the format for Android apps, much like a .zip file). These findings usually provide a solid sneak peek of what’s ahead, but Google hasn’t officially set a release date.
This news follows Google’s addition of two new voice options to Gemini Live in May 2026. It shows the company’s commitment to making its AI assistant sound more human and personal.
How It Fits Into Google’s Bigger Gemini Push
This voice customization news comes just as Google announced it’s renaming its AI note-taking app NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook. This move brings another product under the Gemini brand. According to The Verge, Gemini Notebook will remain a standalone app but will integrate more closely with Google Search and the wider Gemini ecosystem.
CNET notes that the rebrand also expands access to native code-writing features within the app. The trend is clear: Google is bringing its AI tools under a single recognizable name while enhancing the Gemini experience.
| Company | Alphabet (GOOGL) |
|---|---|
| Stock Price | $371.51 (+0.16%) |
| CEO | Sundar Pichai |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, CA |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Sector | Big Tech |
What This Means
If Gemini’s voice sounds too fast or robotic right now, your only option is to select a different preset voice and hope it’s better. With Speed and Energy sliders, you could adjust the experience like you would with bass and treble on a speaker. If someone finds AI voices too anxious, they could dial back the Energy. A user who processes information quickly could increase the Speed without having to switch voices completely.
For those using Gemini Live hands-free—whether driving, cooking, or exercising—this control is more important than it seems. A voice that feels natural reduces friction and makes you more likely to use the feature regularly.
Community Reactions
“Finally. I’ve been asking for a speed slider since day one. The default pace feels like it’s talking to someone who just woke up.”
“The Energy setting is interesting. If it’s like expressiveness, that could make a big difference for long listening sessions. Flat AI voices are exhausting after a while.”
What To Watch
- Official announcement: Google hasn’t confirmed when voice customization will go live. Keep an eye out for a Gemini app update or a Google blog post soon.
- Additional sliders: The code might mention more controls beyond Speed and Energy. Future teardowns could reveal options for pitch or tone.
- Gemini Notebook rollout: The NotebookLM rebrand is already in motion. Expect the full feature set, including expanded code writing tools, to reach all users shortly.
- Samsung Galaxy Unpacked on July 22: Google’s Gemini features are likely to play a big role in Samsung’s upcoming device announcements, potentially revealing new voice interaction use cases.
Daniel Park
Daniel Park covers AI, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software for Explosion.com. A former software engineer who transitioned to technology journalism 5 years ago, Daniel brings technical depth to his reporting on artificial intelligence, startup funding rounds, and the companies building the future of computing. He breaks down complex AI developments and business strategies into clear, actionable insights for readers who want to understand how technology is reshaping industries.
