Google launched Gemini, the rebranded version of Bard that also features a new mobile app, last week. The idea is that Gemini could replace the Google Assistant on Android phones, either now or in the future. By setting up the Gemini app on Android, users will be prompted to choose Gemini as their voice assistant of choice. In fact, you can’t use the Gemini app without selecting Gemini as the default Android voice assistant. Now, Google is going a step further in promoting Gemini. After triggering the Google Assistant, Google will show Android users a new prompt asking if they’d like to try Gemini, as spotted by Android Police.
The prompt appears across Android, even for those who do not have Gemini downloaded. When a user asks the Google Assistant for help, the Gemini prompt in Android will appear. “Gemini is an experimental AI assistant on your phone,” the prompt reads. “Get help learning in new ways, planning events, writing thank you notes, and more.” To dismiss the prompt, users can either select Maybe later or Try now.
Why Google is rolling out a Gemini prompt for Android
The move was also announced by Jack Krawczyk, who is the product lead for Gemini at Google, in a post on X. Aside from the pop-up, Krawczyk says Google is working on clarifying what features are supported by Assistant and Gemini. While Gemini has AI-based features that Assistant does not have, Assistant has voice assistant features that Gemini does not have. Additionally, Krawczyk said the company is trying to narrow the functionality gap between Assistant and Gemini. Separately, it’s worth noting that Google discontinued 17 “underutilized” features in Assistant last month.
Krawczyk announced Gemini’s debut on iOS as well, which appears by way of the Google app. After downloading the Google app on iOS and setting the language to English, a Gemini toggle will appear at the top of the app. Unlike on Android, Google is not giving Gemini a separate app on iOS.
What’s next for Gemini
Aside from working on feature parity for Assistant and Gemini, there’s a lot in the works for the AI chatbot. It was already revealed that Google is working on bringing Gemini to headphones. Presumably, it wants Gemini to become an Assistant replacement on more devices than just smartphones. After that, Google is working on expanding Gemini to more countries and regions, expanding the chatbot’s global reach. It has also pledged to fix bugs and respond to user feedback along the way, of course.