Google is reportedly working on a new toggle that would allow users to turn off the Gemini Live Guided Vision feature, according to a recent report. This feature, part of Google's Gemini AI assistant, uses the phone's camera to analyze the user's surroundings in real time and provide contextual assistance, such as identifying objects or giving directions.
Privacy concerns drive change
The decision to introduce a disable option comes amid growing privacy concerns. Gemini Live Guided Vision requires constant camera access, which has raised alarms among users and privacy advocates. A Google spokesperson said, "We are committed to giving users control over their data and how AI features interact with their environment. The toggle will be available in a future update."
How the feature works
Currently, Gemini Live Guided Vision is enabled by default on compatible devices. It uses computer vision to process live camera feed and overlay information on the screen. For example, a user could point their phone at a landmark and receive historical facts, or at a product to get shopping links.
According to a source familiar with the development, the new toggle will be found in the Gemini settings menu under a section called "Privacy Controls." Users can switch it off to stop the assistant from accessing the camera for guided vision tasks. The change is expected to roll out with the next major update of the Google app, likely in late 2026.
Impact on user experience
Disabling the feature will not affect other Gemini capabilities, such as voice commands or text-based queries. However, any functionality that relies on live camera analysis will be unavailable. Google emphasizes that the toggle is designed to give users choice without compromising the overall assistant experience.
Third-party developers have also expressed interest in similar controls for their apps that use camera-based AI features. The move aligns with broader industry trends toward greater transparency and user consent in AI-powered applications.
