Not just for Pixel and Galaxy Watch: Google brings Gemini to smartwatches

The small gadgets on your wrist are getting smarter: both the Pixel Watch and Samsung's Galaxy Watch and other models running Wear OS 4 and newer will receive the AI assistant Gemini via an update in the coming weeks.

Google “minifies” Wear OS

It has been known for months that Google will gradually replace the Google Assistant with its AI assistant Gemini by the end of the year. At the developer conference, the company also announced that Gemini would land on smartwatches with Wear OS 6. However, older Wear OS versions will also be “Geminiized”.

The first devices with Gemini ex works are Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 models, which will go on sale with One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6. Gemini uses the same AI models on smartwatches as on smartphones. This should enable a consistent user experience directly on the wrist.

Complex commands in natural language

As Google explains, Gemini accepts the same natural language prompts on smartwatches as it does on smartphones. In addition, the integration of various apps makes it possible to perform more complex tasks on watches that previously required several steps on the smartphone.

During a jog or a bike ride, you can send messages or create a playlist directly from your wrist, explains Google. Just before a meeting, Gemini can summarize the last email communication. Appointments can also be added to the calendar with a single command. Navigation to an out-of-home appointment can also be initiated with a voice command.

Gemini can also help with small details: Users can ask the assistant to remember the locker number at the gym, for example, or to find the parking space in the parking garage again.

In order for Gemini to access Google services such as Gmail or the calendar, users must activate them in the Gemini app settings on the paired smartphone and grant the necessary permissions.

To access Gemini on the smartwatch, users can either say the hotword “Hey Google,” press the button on the side of the watch twice, or open the Gemini app, as with the Google Assistant. During the interaction with Gemini, a voice transcript is displayed on the screen along with instructions on which service, such as Workspace for Mail, Gemini is accessing. The assistant can also respond to commands with text, images, and voice.

According to Google, Gemini will be distributed to Wear OS watches with Wear OS 4 and newer in the coming weeks. With Wear OS 6, Gemini will offer support for the respective manufacturer's own apps so that users can continue to use apps that they use daily, it says. In addition to Google's Pixel and Samsung's Galaxy Watches, the assistant is also coming to models from Oppo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi.

Gemini will also become part of Android Auto, televisions with Google TV, and the smart home in the coming months. Gemini will also play a relevant role in future AR and VR devices based on Android XR.

(afl)