Gemini is coming to more Android devices and in the car

It's no longer a secret that Google's voice AI Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant. On Android smartphones, this change is largely complete. At the upcoming Google I/O, Google has now officially announced that Gemini will also replace the Assistant on other Android-based devices over the course of the year.

Smartwatches with Wear OS are set to make the start in the coming months. Users should benefit from the fact that they can simply ask Gemini for information in natural language if they don't have a hand free – when cooking or cycling, for example. In addition, appointments and reminders can be created more conveniently with voice control than by tapping on the tiny display of a smartwatch.

Voice AI on glasses for augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) should be similarly useful. It was only at the end of last year that Google presented Android XR, an operating system for data glasses developed together with Samsung. When the Korean company launches its AR glasses on the market later this year, Gemini will already be pre-installed.

In the car, on the other hand, you have a free hand and a sufficiently large display for a short time, but your attention belongs on the road. Voice input with natural conversation is therefore particularly important behind the wheel. In the near future, Gemini will also be activated in Android Auto and shortly afterward in vehicles with "Google Built-in", previously known as Android Automotive. There it will then be possible to ask for petrol stations with the cheapest prices or good restaurants along the route, for example. The AI does not simply read out incoming messages, but summarizes them. There is no need to dictate punctuation marks when replying.

Gemini comes to televisions and streaming boxes with Google TV

Gemini should also bring added convenience to televisions and streaming boxes with Google TV. It is not always easy to find the right content in the jumble of media libraries and streaming providers: the integrated search functions usually only extend to the name of the films or series – and typing them in letter by letter using the remote control is often a pain. Instead, you can simply ask by voice for content on specific topics or actors. According to Google, it should also be possible for children to ask for educational and explanatory videos on YouTube.

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The Google Assistant is used at least as often, if not more often, on the Nest Home and Nest Home Mini smart speakers and Google's smart displays. They stream music on demand or switch networked lights on and off. Interestingly, Google did not explicitly announce a switch to Gemini for this device class in its presentation. When asked, the company told us that displays and speakers will also benefit from Gemini in the future, but did not specify a timeline. According to Google, the Assistant will continue to work on these devices until then.

(spo)