Google Tests Gemini AI Integration With Messages App, Rolls Out Multiple Productivity Features for Android

Google rolled out 9 new options for Android gadgets, together with a number of generative synthetic intelligence (AI)-based options, on Monday, February 26. The announcement of the options has coincided with the primary day of the Cell World Congress (MWC) 2024. The spotlight among the many options is the combination of Gemini, the corporate’s newest AI-powered chatbot, into the Messages app. Whereas it’s presently in beta testing, the tech large has begun rolling out different options for smartphones, Android Auto, and Put on OS.

The announcement was made through a submit on Google’s Newsroom, which highlighted that these new options are aimed toward bettering productiveness of customers. Gemini’s integration with Google Messages is an fascinating enlargement by the corporate. Customers who’ve enrolled in Google’s beta testing programme ought to quickly see it. The characteristic provides a separate chat field for Gemini the place they’ll have a dialog, ask queries, get it to write down or rewrite messages and way more. With this replace, Gemini is offered as a standalone app, as digital assistant, and throughout the Messages app. It’s not sure whether or not the characteristic can be included within the Gemini Superior plan as soon as it’s out of testing.

Messages app is just not the one place the place AI is being added, nonetheless. Android Auto can be getting an analogous characteristic the place generative AI can summarize lengthy texts or group chats and browse it out whereas the person drives. It should additionally counsel related replies and actions that may be chosen through only a single faucet.

One accessibility characteristic can be being added to the Lookout app. The app is designed for visually impaired customers and might determine objects, learn texts, and extra by way of the smartphone’s digital camera. It should now robotically create AI-generate captions for pictures seen on-line or acquired by way of messages and browse it out to customers. It’s rolling out globally in English. In the identical vein, Google Maps can be getting an replace to Lens in Maps, which was first added in October 2023. Customers can now level the cellphone’s digital camera at environment and the TalkBack characteristic will learn the place’s info out loud, together with its enterprise hours, ranking or instructions on get there.

Just a few non-AI options are additionally making their debut. Essentially the most notable is the handwritten annotation characteristic for Google Docs on Android. This can enable customers to write down and draw with both fingers or stylus on paperwork to create notes for themselves. The second is a tweak to the output switcher for Spotify, which permits customers to select the machine the place the output of the sound will come from. This will now be carried out straight from the house display.

Lastly, transferring to the Put on OS-based options. Google is now rolling out an replace to its Well being Join app that may enable customers with wearables comparable to Fitbit, Oura Ring, and apps comparable to AllTrails and MyFitnessPal to combine their information. The app will present detailed view of well being and health trackers and can present actionable insights on them.

Final two Put on OS options are smaller however may be helpful for some customers. Google Pockets passes are actually obtainable on Put on OS smartwatches and can enable customers to entry them straight. Google Maps for Put on OS will now present public transit instructions to assist customers catch a bus or a practice. The app will present particulars comparable to departure occasions, compass-guided navigation, and choice to mirror instructions from cellphone to the smartwatch.