Google is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant Gemini beyond smartphones to Android devices such as smartwatches, televisions, cars, and the upcoming Android XR devices, as the competition intensifies among tech giants to integrate AI more deeply into people's daily lives.
This move also marks Google's ongoing effort to position Gemini as the primary AI interface across different form factors, thereby replacing Google Assistant.
The company on May 13 announced that it will be bringing Gemini to Wear OS smartwatches in the coming months. "This is really helpful for those moments when your phone isn't handy. With Gemini, you can just talk naturally, you don't need to get the words just right or look into your tiny screen and awkwardly try to type there" said Guemmy Kim, Senior Director of Product and User Experience, Android.
You can use the assistant to set reminders, recall important details from apps like email, and create playlists, among other things.
Gemini on Android Auto and Cars with Google built-in aims to enhance the hands-free voice control experience for consumers through more natural conversations.
"You can not only find the best route, but also get help along the way. For example, Gemini can find you a charging station on the way to the post office that’s also near a park, so that you can go for a walk before your errands while your car is charging" Kim said.
Gemini can also summarise the messages the user receives, translate them, and even translate their reply into a different language before sending, she said. Gemini will be available on Android Auto in the coming months, followed by cars with Google Built-in.
Google is also bringing Gemini's capabilities to Google TV later this year. This will enable people to ask for action movies that are age-appropriate for their kids and receive tailored recommendations. It will also help kids explore various topics like the solar system by answering questions and pulling up a related YouTube video to learn more, Kim said.
The tech giant also announced plans to bring Gemini to Android XR, a mixed-reality operating system for headsets and smart glasses that's being developed in collaboration with Samsung.
"When the first headset launches later this year, Gemini can help people plan a vacation by surrounding you with videos, maps, and mobile tips. It will help you create an entire itinerary in a minute within this rich, immersive experience" Kim said.
These moves come as Google looks to transform Gemini from a simple conversational AI chatbot into a truly personal digital assistant that people can interact with across various form factors throughout their daily lives.
It also comes amid intensifying competition from rivals such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Meta's Meta AI, xAI's Grok, and Microsoft's Copilot who are exploring similar measures.
Meta has integrated Meta AI to its Ray-Ban smart glasses and is expanding the availability of the glasses to several markets, including India, the United Arab Emirates, and Mexico. In India, the smart glasses are expected to be available from May 19.
OpenAI's ChatGPT is also currently available through a range of smart glasses and vehicles across several major automotive brands including Volkswagen.
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