Release2026-09-05

Google is testing a mode toggle in its Gemini desktop app. Ask shows the standard chat interface, while Assign runs an agent with wider powers. Users can pick the folder the agent works in, and set a default or reuse a previous one. The app also shows an option to connect to other computers running Gemini desktop. Google is testing a computer use skill that operates local apps, plus a connection to the note app Obsidian. A Customize tab would let users choose skills, apps and connectors, but currently lists mostly Google's own. On macOS, Finder would let users send a folder straight to Gemini. Code references point to a future Gemini 4 model and a Nano Banana 2.5 Flash image model. All of it stays in closed testing with no release date. TestingCatalog reports the findings.

What changed

The Gemini desktop app had no mode toggle and no folder-scoped agent tasks.

What it unlocks

Pointing the Gemini agent at one chosen folder for a task, once released.

What you need to act on it

  • closed testing access
  • macOS for the Finder integration

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