Gemini is the new Google AIwhich acts as a chatbot (ChatGPT style) and as a replacement for the traditional Google Assistant. The app arrived in Europe just over a month ago after adapting to EU regulations, although it has not had a bed of roses so far: it debuted with many shortcomings compared to the old Android assistant, which has forced it to be updated to try to balance the scales.
It still has a long way to go to achieve this, but as we read on Android Authority, it is going to receive a big boost with an update of its extensions. These are integrated into Gemini to better interact with services such as Google Maps or YouTube (they are already available) and in the near future it will come with much better equipment. These are the upcoming new features of Gemini for Android.
An increasingly complete AI assistant
Gemini in its web version. Image by Iván Linares for Xataka Android
Gemini is the new Google Assistant, with AI features that make it smarter. However, as we have said before, fulfilling this purpose is not as easy as coming armed with artificial intelligence. That is why It lacks certain characteristics that the classic assistant does have.and that is gaining with the passage of time.
Thanks to the disassembly of the beta version of the Google app, specifically in the version 15.29.34.29the Android Authority team has found two features that are reportedly close to their debut. The features spotted require their corresponding extensions to work.
The first guest is Google Home, the home device management app. With this extension, Gemini will be able to “control your smart home appliances, such as lights and switches”. Until now, if we use Gemini as the default assistant, smart functions related to our home are performed in the classic Google Assistant, slowing down the action.
This is over with the aforementioned extension, as Gemini will now be able to execute such commands. As we can see in the screenshots, Google’s AI will be able to control home automation devices such as smart light bulbs and other household appliances.
Screenshots from Android Authority
On the other hand and following the information located in the APK, the second extension refers to the «Phone» app. Currently, when executing phone call commands, the same thing happens: the skills are passed on to Google Assistant. However, with the extension properly enabled (when it becomes available to everyone), the power goes to Gemini.
However, we do not know at the moment what telephone functions will be added, apart from the typical “Call so-and-so”. Thirdly, there is the “Utilities” extension: it will give Gemini a new way of interact with settings and apps from our Android mobile.
What can you do? For example, change the volume level, open installed applications or take a photo with the smartphone camera. Maybe this is the most important extension Of those seen, not in vain, it could open the door to a multitude of actions such as restarting the phone or changing the display mode between light or dark.
To round off the new features that the Gemini app will receive, there are three more new features. However, in this case, they are some features announced during the last developer conference, Google I/O 2024. They are the additions of Google Calendar, Keep and Tasks, which bring with them an unknown: we do not know if they will work for all users or only for those belonging to Workspace.
With a Unknown deployment datewe will have to keep waiting until Google makes a statement on the matter. It shouldn’t be too long, since the beta version of the Google app already contains the new extensions. We assume that a change will also be needed on the server side.
Via | Android Authority