The fact that Gemini is already the center of the Android ecosystem means a lot: its native application has shaken up the already old Google Assistant. Even if it aims to go even further, thanks to the use of extensions which amplify its possibilities.
The “Phone” extension has been around for a while, which would bring some Google Assistant skills to the renewed assistant with Gemini. And they seem closer than ever, as a teardown of the Gemini app reveals.
Gemini has a lot to thank for extensions
Gemini is already Android’s digital assistant, courtesy of the old Google Assistant that has been on our devices for years. And it is with certain deficienciesthat Google has gradually obscured with the arrival of extensions: YouTube, Music, Google Maps… they complete the functionalities that it did not yet have.
As we read in Android Authority, Gemini has a new switch in the oven to allow AI to make calls and send messages, even with the phone locked. Google Assistant has been making this possible for a long time with its “Ok, Google. Call”, will now reach the new version of the assistant.
Until now, when we asked Gemini, it made us unlock the phone: anything that involves the user’s personal information involves entering the unlock method for security reasons. However, with this change, Gemini equals Wizardat least when it comes to making calls and messages.
Options in the Gemini app. Screenshots from Android Authority
In fact, the famous expert Mishaal Rahman found in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, a flag hidden which points to an option to access Gemini from the lock screen. This would go hand in hand with the aforementioned feature, just as it would be useful for other planned extensions like WhatsApp or Spotify.
And besides, they come User interface changes from Gemini: The source also identified several changes to the appearance of the app. A more minimalist overlay window (quick access to Gemini when summoned), a box that will expand as the request is written and some extensions organized into categories.
Among these, we can see some like “Communication”, “Travel”, “Productivity” or “Device control”. This seems necessary if Google plans to open them to third parties in the future, a walk expansions could be in the works.
Regardless, the new improvements are welcome, which we hope are available soon on all phones, and of course, in all regions. Gemini continues to quickly prepare to surpass, or at least match, the Google Assistant that has been with us for so many years.
Via | Android Authority
Cover image | Pepu Ricca for Xataka Android
In Xataka Android | You can use Google’s Gemini Nano if you have one of these Android phones. Full list of compatible devices
In Xataka Android | How to try Gemini Live before anyone else, Google’s AI that speaks like a person
