Gemini currently offers three response modes called Quick, Thinking and Pro. The Quick mode provides the fastest answers and is best for straightforward questions. The Thinking and Pro modes generate more detailed and comprehensive responses, but they can take longer to load.

To help users who normally keep Gemini in Thinking or Pro mode but occasionally want a short and direct answer, Google has introduced a new button called Answer now. When a user taps this button, Gemini skips deep reasoning for the current question and replies using the Quick mode instead.

Interestingly, the Quick mode applies only to the one question that was asked with the Answer now button. After that, Gemini returns to the previously selected mode. It does not permanently switch the app to Quick mode. At the time of writing it is not fully clear how the new button affects answer quality in all situations.

In early tests at the Bright editorial office the speed improvement was limited. Gemini can still spend significant time finalizing its reasoning before delivering a response. In those cases it might be just as fast to manually change to Quick mode before asking a question. However, the new feature helps users who forget to change settings before they ask a quick question.

The Answer now button is available in the Gemini app on Android and iOS. It also works in the Gemini web interface. The rollout has already begun, so many users should already see the feature in their apps.