Embrace Gemini Live and bid Google Assistant farewell

It had to happen. It became evident that Android will eventually adopt Gemini as it began to take shape throughout Google's ecosystem. In addition to the updated Pixel hardware lineup, Google also revealed that it is stepping up its AI efforts with the release of many new Gemini-enabled services, such as Gemini Live, which allows you to converse with the system as if it were in your ear. The recently redesigned "assistant experience with Gemini" is what Google refers to as this.

Users of Android are receiving a new Gemini overlay. Gemini, like the Assistant before it, can appear whenever you need it by long pressing the power button, providing context for the content displayed on the screen. This functions differently with a number of different apps. Asking Google for more details about a YouTube video you're viewing is one of its examples. Alternately, utilize it to create images in applications like Google Messages. Additionally, most Android smartphones receive a minor feature update for Circle to Search. As soon as you engage with the content, you can choose and distribute it.

Then there is today's introduction of Gemini Live. This whole experience reminds me most of the independent sleaze movie Her, but without the annoying ScarJo and done on Google. Speaking "naturally" with Gemini is similar to speaking with someone else, as demonstrated by Joaquin Phoenix's use of that earpiece. Indeed, this feature will be enabled with the new Pixel Buds Pro 2. Google claims the new Gemini Live can perform complicated tasks that the Assistant was previously unable to perform, such as comprehend intent and follow a line of thought. You can even hold conversations with Gemini Live about life and share thoughts with it. According to the company, you should use it to "brainstorm potential jobs" that fit your skill set. Give a machine a chance to assist you in determining your place inside it.

Similar to how the Google Assistant was and still is, Gemini will be Google's most accessible AI assistant. Although it is still somewhat present in the Nest ecosystem, Gemini has taken the position of the former Google Assistant as the helpful assistant. Your input method is the only thing that differs. Gemini's communication style with Google Assistant is not visual and direct prompt-based. As soon as we learned digital assistants weren't meant for "casual conversation," as we'd anticipated, we trained ourselves to turn down the prompts. Maybe that will be Gemini for Android.

Google says that Gemini is confidential. Before it can access any aspect of your life within the ecosystem, the ability needs your consent. Once inside, it can interact with your documents and emails and perform the role of the assistant it is supposed to. Gemini's Android features are partially processed in the cloud, but Gemini Nano's "sensitive use cases" are primarily handled on the device.

Features like Gemini Live will begin to roll out for Gemini Advanced subscribers if you're committed to utilizing Gemini as Google intended. As a bonus, Google will give you a year of the Google One AI Premium Plan, which includes free access to Gemini Advanced, if you purchase a Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro.