Google is rolling out a suite of new AI features for Android devices, with the highlight being the integration of their Gemini AI assistant. This move aims to keep Google’s mobile platform ahead of the competition.
Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat stated in a blog post that Google has completely rebuilt the assistant experience with Gemini. He said users will be able to speak to it naturally, the way they would with another person. Samat explained that the new Gemini AI assistant can understand the user’s intent, follow their train of thought, and complete complex tasks.
This latest push by Google to bring its AI capabilities to the forefront of the Android ecosystem is widely seen as a preemptive strike against Apple, which is expected to launch its own AI assistant on iPhones, Macs, and iPads later this year.
While Google’s hardware business may not be a significant revenue driver, the integration of Gemini AI could potentially boost the company’s subscription-based offerings, such as the Gemini AI subscription program.
Gemini AI capabilities showcase
One notable example showcased by Google involves a user uploading a concert list and asking Gemini to check their calendar for availability. If the user has an open slot, Gemini can then offer to create a reminder to check ticket prices later that day.
The assistant’s capabilities also extend to utilizing information from other Google apps, such as creating a workout routine based on a personal trainer’s email or drafting a work bio using the user’s resume in Google Drive.
For example, the Gemini assistant can help create a personalized workout regimen based on your fitness trainer’s email, or leverage the resume in your Google Drive to draft a professional bio, the company explained in its latest blog post.
The company also noted that users can instruct the Gemini assistant to compose an email and “generate an image of a cake for someone with a passion for space travel,” which the assistant can then attach to the message. Alternatively, in YouTube, a user might query the Gemini assistant about the content of a particular video.
The capabilities extend beyond just apps – you can also ask the assistant about the information displayed on your phone screen in other applications, such as Maps, Flights and Gmail. Google has indicated it is working to integrate support for third-party extensions, suggesting developers may be able to integrate the assistant into their own apps in the future.
Voice-based interactions with Gemini
The Gemini assistant offers a range of voice options. Users can engage in a natural, human-like dialogue through the “Live” feature, which the company first unveiled at its developer conference in May. The “Live” functionality will initially be available for select devices and subscribers to Google’s premium Gemini Advanced program, priced at $19.99 per month.
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New Pixel smartphone lineup
Alongside the AI enhancements, Google also unveiled its latest line of Pixel smartphones, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These devices come equipped with the Gemini AI features and are powered by Google’s Tensor G4 processor, offering 16GB of RAM to support the AI functionality.
The Pixel 9 series boasts several other improvements, such as an upgraded camera and a brighter display for better visibility in direct sunlight. Pricing for the new Pixel lineup ranges from $799 for the base model to $1,799 for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Pixel Watch 3
Additionally, Google announced the Pixel Watch 3, which features larger screens, AI-powered workout recommendations, and deeper integration with the company’s broader ecosystem, including Nest devices and Google TV.
By bringing its AI capabilities to the forefront of the Android experience, Google aims to solidify its position as a leader in the AI-powered personal assistant space before Apple’s anticipated entry into the market.
