Gemini is not yet ready to replace Google Assistant on Android. That’s the user sentiment that has emerged in recent days and Google is fortunately aware of that, as well as other Gemini “things to fix.”
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Send tips/talk to abner@9to5mac.com or @technacity (open DMs).
Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
A big area of interest is Google’s hardware division, including Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. He detailed all of the Pixel 3’s camera features before launch and scooped the 2nd-generation Nest Hub’s Soli-powered Sleep Sensing capability, including how it would integrate with Google Fit.
Recently, Abner detailed the Pixel Watch’s specs in full before launch, including bands and pricing. He also got wind of the Pixel Tablet’s ultimate form factor.
Gemini voice commands no longer require you to press ‘send’
One of the most annoying aspects of using the Gemini Android app as a Google Assistant replacement on day one was having to manually send/submit voice commands. Google has fortunately fixed that behavior.
Expand Expanding CloseGmail redesigning email replies with chat-style UI [U]
After introducing emoji reactions and tweaking the search bar, a bigger Gmail update introduces a chat-style reply UI on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music testing Cast sheet redesign on Android
In addition to a revamped overflow menu, YouTube Music is testing a redesign of the Cast UI on Android that makes use of a bottom sheet.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Gemini name: Good for consistency, but a bit pigeonholed
Google renamed “Bard” to “Gemini” as part of launching mobile apps and an Advanced tier. While I was never a fan of the Bard name, Google might be pigeonholing itself by calling everything Gemini.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini, AI agents, and fulfilling the vision of Pixel 4’s new Google Assistant
As of late, there’s been increased chatter about AI agents that take a command and physically perform the task, including the needed taps and swipes, on your phone. This talk of building an AI agent reminds me a great deal of the “new Google Assistant” that was announced with the Pixel 4 in 2019.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle One crosses 100 million subscribers, focusing on AI Premium
After teasing the milestone last week, Google One now has 100 million subscribers, with Sundar Pichai saying how the AI Premium Plan will drive future growth.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube TV airing a Super Bowl ad just before kickoff [Video]
The Pixel 8 camera ad will be joined by another from YouTube TV on Sunday just before the Super Bowl kicks off.
Expand Expanding CloseJanuary 2024 Google Play system update rolls out to Pixel
Google has widely rolled out the latest Google Play system update (January 2024) for Pixel devices.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Google Assistant features Gemini can and cannot access
At launch, Gemini on Android can perform some key Google Assistant features — by essentially routing the command — but it’s far from a complete list.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle News adds customizable Following feed [Update: iPhone]
Announced back in June, Google News on Android is rolling out a redesigned Following feed that provides the “latest updates from the topics, sources and locations you select to follow.”
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8 referral program offers $50 Google Store credit for both parties
The US Google Store currently has Black Friday/holiday-level discounts on the Pixel 8 and is now launching a referral program with a $50 coupon code.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle One AI Premium is $19.99/mo with Gemini Advanced & Gemini for Workspace
Sundar Pichai announced last week that Google One is about to cross 100 million subscribers. Google One is now getting a new AI Premium plan that costs $19.99.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle renames Bard to Gemini, launches paid ‘Gemini Advanced’ with Ultra 1.0
Teased in December as its most capable AI model, Google is rolling out Gemini Ultra 1.0 today. To mark this occasion, Google Bard is being renamed to Gemini on the web, while it’s now available on Android and iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app brings Google AI to Android and iPhone, rolling out now
Announced as Assistant with Bard alongside the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro last October, Google today is rolling out Gemini to provide an optimized mobile experience that integrates with Android, while it’s now part of the Google app on iOS.
Expand Expanding CloseHere’s everything new in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 [Gallery]
Google’s first preview of Android 14 QPR3 is available today, and we are diving into Beta 1 to find what new features have been introduced.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel
As we wait for QPR2 to hit stable, Google is ready to start the next quarterly cycle with Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 today.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps redesigning directions search, drops fullscreen UIs, more
The Google Maps UI has largely been unchanged for the past several years, but that’s now changing with pretty significant redesigns across key surfaces, including when searching for directions.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play Protect testing enhanced financial fraud protection
Last year, Google announced that Play Protect would prompt you to scan unknown Android apps before sideloading. Google is now piloting enhanced financial fraud protection for Play Protect.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle updates Nearby Share to Quick Share on Windows
As Quick Share rolls out to Android, Google has updated Nearby Share for Windows with the latest branding.
Expand Expanding CloseFiles by Google redesign removes bottom bar
In removing the bottom bar (again), Files by Google is making a pretty notable design change that simplifies the app.
Expand Expanding CloseApple Vision Pro for the Google (and Android) user
Chrome. I need Google’s browser on visionOS even if it’s just the iPad version. That’s the thing I’m missing the most as a heavy user of Google apps since getting Apple Vision Pro.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Play is not showing available system app updates
In what could be a bug or behavior change, the Google Play Store is not showing available updates for system-level apps.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Maps for Android now shows you the weather
Like the iOS app, Google Maps for Android now overlays the weather and AQI when you’re browsing the map layer.
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