Google Gemini is about to get a highly anticipated chat branching feature that lets users create separate threads within a single conversation-without losing the original context. This chat branching functionality, already available in ChatGPT, promises a more organized and flexible chat experience.
Currently, if you stray from the main topic in Gemini, conversations can quickly get tangled, often forcing users to start fresh and lose all prior context. ChatGPT tackled this back in September 2023 by introducing branched chats, allowing users to experiment with different directions while keeping the core discussion intact.
According to Android Authority, the beta version of Google’s Gemini app (build 17.10.54.sa.arm64) already includes a partially activated ”Branch in new chat” option. This new feature will appear in a menu accessed via three dots below each Gemini response, right next to rating and sharing buttons.
Each new branch will be displayed separately in the chat list, clearly labeled ”Branch,” so it’s easy to distinguish main conversations from side threads.
Features of Google Gemini’s chat branching
- Develop alternative topics without disrupting the main conversation
- Ask clarifying questions without losing context
- Experiment with various dialogue paths within the same chat
Currently, Gemini users can only start new chats manually, but these fresh chats do not carry over any context from previous discussions. The incoming chat branching system solves that by preserving the entire conversation history within related threads.
This feature resembles a tool already available in Google’s AI Studio, but this marks the first indication it’s coming to the core Gemini app-a logical move given how frequently users have requested it.
Expect it to roll out first on Gemini’s desktop version, then follow on Android and iOS platforms.
While ChatGPT has made chat branching a standard for managing complex AI conversations, Google embracing this approach signals a competitive push to refine Gemini’s usability and keep pace with industry trends.