Google Gemini AI Enhancements: Regional Processing and User Permissions Clarified
Google introduces Gemini AI updates along with clarifications on permissions management on Android.
Key Points
- • Gemini 2.5 Flash processing supports on-shore processing in India.
- • AI-powered summaries in the Places API enhance local development.
- • Users can disable Gemini permissions directly through Google app settings.
- • Not all privacy concerns regarding Google’s AI features are warranted.
At the recent Google I/O Connect event in Bengaluru, Google unveiled important updates to its Gemini AI, including Gemini 2.5 Flash processing, which will enable on-shore processing in India. This advancement is tailored for developers, providing support through local data centers and aimed at various sectors like healthcare and finance. The event showcased updated features such as AI-powered summaries in the Places API, designed to allow developers to deliver local information efficiently, and enhancements to the Google Maps Places UI Kit with India-specific pricing.
Simultaneously, Google addressed growing concerns surrounding the permissions required by the Gemini app on Android devices, which had been criticized for its access to sensitive features such as the camera and microphone. Although critics voiced fears regarding data accessibility, Google reassured users that they can manage their permissions by adjusting settings within the Google app. This means that disabling permissions for Gemini could limit certain functionalities, highlighting the balance between user control and app capabilities.
Legitimate concerns about privacy remain, but Google contends that not all critiques of its AI features are entirely justified, emphasizing the importance of user control over their data.