Google Gemini for Messages hands-on: AI in your INBOX!

9to5Google
29 Mar 202408:00

TLDRGoogle's AI-powered messaging platform, Gemini, has seen significant updates in the past two months. The platform, initially available on mobile, is now being expanded to Google Messages and is in beta for select devices like the Pixel 6 series and Samsung Galaxy S22 series. Users can interact with the AI chatbot through RCS, which, while slightly slower, offers an optimized mobile experience. Gemini has proven useful for quick brainstorming and list creation. Recent updates also hint at tablet integration, with the Google Search app version 15.12 suggesting compatibility. Apple has shown interest in Gemini, and the platform is expected to support the upcoming Pixel 8. Gemini is not yet a full Google Assistant replacement but offers a good compromise for users wanting to test both. The platform is also expanding to older smartphones and introducing more precise control over responses and location-based prompts that automatically launch Google Maps for navigation.

Takeaways

  • 📱 Google Gemini has been updated and is now available on mobile for nearly two months, with significant changes and new features added in March.
  • 📲 Gemini for Google Messages is in beta, offering a new way to interact with the AI through RCS messaging on select devices like Pixel 6 and Samsung S22 series.
  • 📊 Initial user impressions suggest that Gemini is effective for quickly generating lists and ideas, although there's a desire for more integration with other Google apps.
  • 🔍 Updates to the Google Search app hint at an upcoming Gemini integration for tablets, offering a similar experience to the mobile version but with Google Assistant accessibility.
  • 🍎 There's speculation that Apple might be interested in using Gemini for their services, which could be a significant development for the platform.
  • 📈 Gemini Nano is expected to be released with the Pixel 8, addressing concerns about the device's RAM and performance.
  • 📱 Circle to Search is expanding its availability to older smartphones, including Pixel 6 series and select Samsung Galaxy devices.
  • 🖥 A new web feature for Gemini allows for more precise control over response lengths, offering users more editing flexibility.
  • 🗺️ Location-based prompts in Gemini will now automatically launch Google Maps for navigation, providing a more hands-free experience.
  • 📈 The Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet are expected to receive Circle to Search in the future, which is a welcome update for their users.
  • 📅 The next feature drop for Gemini, which may include support for the Pixel 8, is anticipated to occur sometime in June.

Q & A

  • How long has Google Gemini been available on mobile?

    -Google Gemini has been available on mobile for a little under two months at the time of the transcript.

  • What is the significance of the updates made to Gemini in March?

    -The updates in March included new features, major news about Gemini Nano coming to the Pixel 8, and potential interest from Apple in using Gemini for their services.

  • Which devices are currently in the beta testing phase for Gemini for Google Messages?

    -The beta testing is for select devices like the Pixel 6, Pixel Fold, and Samsung devices such as the S22 series.

  • How is the experience of using Gemini for Google Messages on a Pixel Fold?

    -The experience is slightly different from the mobile app, with interactions occurring over RCS, leading to slower response times but optimized content for mobile use.

  • What are some examples of tasks Gemini can assist with?

    -Gemini can assist with creating a list of ingredients for dinner, making a list of items needed for filming a video, and provides examples like a camping packing list, Halloween movie suggestions, or a spring cleaning checklist.

  • What recent updates hint at Gemini integration for tablets?

    -The Google Search app version 15.12 includes text strings acknowledging the existence of a tablet version of Gemini.

  • How does the tablet version of Gemini differ from the mobile version when it comes to Google Assistant?

    -Google Assistant remains accessible even when Gemini is activated on the tablet version, which is not the case for the current mobile version.

  • What is the status of Gemini's integration with the Pixel 8?

    -Gemini is expected to be integrated with the Pixel 8 in the next feature drop, which could be sometime in June.

  • Which older smartphones are set to expand Circle to search?

    -Circle to search is expanding to older smartphones including the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6A, and 7A, as well as select devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series, Zold 5, Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

  • What new feature was added to the web version of Gemini in early March?

    -A new feature allowing for more precise control of responses was added, enabling users to select a specific string of text and use a new pen icon to regenerate, shorten, or lengthen that section.

  • How does Gemini enhance the hands-free experience for users?

    -Gemini now automatically launches Google Maps for location-based prompts, providing a quick summary of time and distance before opening map navigation.

  • What is the community's reaction to the Gemini updates?

    -The community is interested in hearing about the updates and discussing their favorite use cases, indicating a positive engagement with the new features.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Gemini on Mobile: Updates and Features

Gemini on mobile has been out for nearly two months, with Google introducing numerous updates and features. In March, significant enhancements were made, including the rollout of Gemini for Google Messages, which is currently in beta for select devices like the Pixel 6 and Samsung S22 series. The author shares initial impressions of using Gemini on a Pixel Fold, noting the mobile-optimized content and the convenience of quickly brainstorming ideas. The summary also discusses the potential integration of Gemini with Google Keep, the tablet version of Gemini, and the surprising accessibility of Google Assistant while using Gemini. Additionally, there's mention of Apple's possible interest in Gemini for their services.

05:01

🔍 Gemini's Future and Additional Updates

The narrative continues with the discussion of Gemini's future developments, including the upcoming feature drop for Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8, which is expected around June. This update will address concerns about the device's 8GB of RAM and ensure smooth operation. Furthermore, Circle to Search is expanding to older smartphones, with devices like the Pixel 6 series, 7A, and select Samsung Galaxy models set to receive the feature. The Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet are also anticipated to receive the update. The author expresses frustration that Google's most expensive smartphone, the Pixel Fold, did not receive this feature earlier. The paragraph concludes with minor updates to Gemini, such as improved control over text responses in the web version and the addition of location-based prompts that automatically launch Google Maps for navigation.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Gemini

Gemini refers to a new AI feature by Google that is integrated into the inbox for messages. It is designed to enhance user experience by providing assistance through AI chatbot interactions. In the video, Gemini is mentioned as being in beta for select devices and is highlighted for its ability to generate lists and ideas quickly, which is a significant update for users who rely on Google's ecosystem for their daily tasks.

💡Google Messages

Google Messages is the default messaging application on Android devices developed by Google. It is where the integration of Gemini is being tested, allowing users to interact with the AI chatbot through messaging threads. The video discusses the initial impressions of using Gemini within Google Messages, emphasizing its current optimization for mobile and the simplicity of its responses.

💡Pixel 8

Pixel 8 is an upcoming smartphone from Google that is mentioned in the context of supporting Gemini. There was a concern about the device's RAM capacity being sufficient for smooth operation, but the video confirms that Gemini will be compatible with Pixel 8, which is reassuring for future consumers and current Pixel users.

💡Apple

Apple is mentioned in the video as potentially being interested in Gemini for their own services. This is significant as it suggests that even one of Google's major competitors recognizes the value in the AI technology that Gemini represents, indicating its potential impact on the tech industry.

💡RCs

RCs, or Rich Communication Services, is a protocol for enhancing traditional SMS and MMS messaging with features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing. In the context of the video, RCS is used as the medium through which Gemini's AI chatbot communicates, leading to slightly slower response times but optimized mobile content.

💡Google Keep

Google Keep is a note-taking service by Google that allows users to create, share, and synchronize notes across devices. The video suggests a desire for integration between Gemini and Google Keep, where lists generated by Gemini could be sent over to Keep, indicating a potential for increased productivity and organization for users.

💡Tablet Integration

The video discusses updates hinting at Gemini's integration for tablet devices, which would allow users of tablets like the Pixel Fold to access Gemini's features. This is significant as it shows Google's commitment to expanding the accessibility of Gemini across different form factors and device types.

💡Google Assistant

Google Assistant is an AI-powered virtual assistant developed by Google that is mentioned in the context of its accessibility even when Gemini is activated on a tablet. This suggests a dual functionality where users can benefit from both assistants simultaneously without disrupting their smart home setup.

💡Circle to Search

Circle to Search is a feature that is being expanded to older smartphones, allowing for more devices to access advanced search capabilities. The video mentions this as a positive development, especially for Pixel Fold users who have been anticipating this feature.

💡Web Version of Gemini

The video mentions a new tweak to the web version of Gemini that allows for more precise control of responses. This update enables users to select a specific string of text and regenerate, shorten, or lengthen that section, offering a more tailored approach to interacting with the AI.

💡Location-based Prompts

Location-based prompts in Gemini are a feature that automatically launches Google Maps when navigation commands are given. This hands-free experience is highlighted as a welcomed addition in the video, showing how Gemini can be practical for real-world applications like finding the nearest grocery store or navigating to a park.

Highlights

Gemini on mobile has been out for nearly two months with continuous updates and improvements.

Google has announced Gemini Nano for Pixel 8, indicating a potential interest from Apple in using Gemini for their services.

Gemini for Google Messages is now in beta for select devices, including Pixel 6 and later models, and Samsung S22 series.

The experience with Gemini on mobile differs from the app, with interactions happening over RCS and optimized for mobile use.

Gemini is effective for quickly brainstorming ideas and creating lists, such as for dinner ingredients or filming items.

Google provides examples for using Gemini, like camping packing lists, Halloween movie suggestions, or spring cleaning checklists.

Updates to the Google Search app hint at Gemini integration for tablets.

Google Assistant remains accessible even when Gemini is activated on tablets, unlike the current mobile version.

Apple's potential interest in Gemini suggests the technology's smooth operation on devices with 8GB of RAM.

Circle to search is expanding to older smartphones, including Pixel 6 series and select Samsung Galaxy devices.

Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet are expected to receive Circle to search, which is a much-awaited feature for users of these devices.

A new tweak in the web version of Gemini allows for more precise control over response editing.

Gemini now automatically launches Google Maps for location-based prompts, enhancing the hands-free experience.

The video provides a comprehensive update on all the new features and improvements for Gemini in March.

The community is encouraged to share their favorite use cases for Gemini to foster further discussion and insight.

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