Google Expands Gemini Desktop into Super App to Compete with Codex and Claude

Google is transforming the Gemini Desktop app into a super app to compete with Codex and Claude Desktop. It has introduced new Ask and Assign mode toggles, where Ask provides a standard interface and Assign supports extended capabilities similar to the AI agent Gemini Spark.

In Assign mode, users can select a folder for Gemini to operate in to limit the agent's scope, and the feature also includes remote control options to connect to other computers. Key integrations currently under testing include local app manipulation via computer use skills and Obsidian integration, while on macOS, it integrates with Finder to directly inspect folders or perform tasks.

Code analysis revealed support for upcoming models and an upgrade to Nano Banana 2.5 Flash, and a Customize tab will allow management of skills, apps, connectors, and plugins. All features are currently in the closed testing stage, with the general availability timeline unclear.