Google Docs for Android is starting to catch up to the web version
Summary
- The Google Docs app for Android could soon have bookmarks and document tabs to improve navigation.
- A future update may also introduce Gemini-powered AI tools like document summarization.
- These features bring Android app closer to the full functionality of the web version.
The Google Docs app for Android has long lagged behind its web counterpart. It lacks the same navigation features and organizational abilities of the web version, or what you’d find on a
Chromebook
. But a future update could bring it up to par.
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A recent teardown of version 1.25.062.00.90 of the Google Docs Android app reveals Google is working on adding bookmarks, document tabs, and Gemini-powered AI tools (via Android Authority). These additions bring the Android app much closer to parity with the desktop version.
Bookmarks and document tabs on Android
Source: Android Authority
The bookmarks feature has existed on Google Docs for web for some time. These allow you to link to a specific section or page your document. It is available on the iOS version of Google Docs, but Android users have never had access to it.
According to the Android Authority teardown, the Android app will work like this:
- Select text and tap on the + icon.
- A bookmark icon will appear next to the selected text.
Google also appears to be testing document tabs, another feature currently exclusive to the web version. These allow users to separate tabs within a document, which makes it easier to organize sections and jump between different parts of a document. No need to scroll endlessly.
And of course…Gemini
It wouldn’t be a Google feature update if Gemini AI wasn’t crammed in somewhere. Google Docs for Android may soon get AI features similar to those found in Gmail. There’s a Gemini icon in the toolbar. When tapped, it opens a bottom sheet with AI chat options, including:
- Summarize this document
- Outline the main points
There’s also a sticky ‘summarize this document’ button below the top toolbar. It look as if AI assistance will be a core feature of Google Docs on Android going forward. Right now, however, these AI tools are not functional and return an error message.
Google has not officially announced any of these new features. As with all app teardowns, there’s no guarantee that we’ll see them in a stable version any time soon. Until then, you’ll just have to use
Google Docs
on the web if you want solid organization.
