Google Gemini Expands Rollout to More Wear OS Smartwatches
Google Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on more Wear OS smartwatches, expanding its capabilities and updates.
Key Points
- • Gemini now available on older Wear OS watches from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and OPPO.
- • Users can access Gemini via the Play Store and voice commands; no local processing required.
- • The interface features Material 3 design with enhanced animations.
- • Some users still have access to Google Assistant, possibly due to incomplete updates.
Google has announced a broader deployment of its Gemini AI assistant, now replacing Google Assistant on a wider range of Wear OS smartwatches. The initial rollout began with the Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel Watch just last week, and the expansion includes older devices from brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and OPPO that operate on Wear OS 4 or newer.
Users can access Gemini through an update available on the Wear OS Play Store or by activating it via voice commands. The transition aims to improve the voice command experience, addressing frustrations many users felt with the previous assistant. While existing activation methods such as voice commands remain the same, Gemini promises enhanced natural language processing capabilities and intelligent responses, thereby promising a more engaging interaction.
The design of Gemini incorporates Material 3 elements, featuring bouncy animations similar to those introduced in Android 16, designed to offer a more aesthetically pleasing interface. However, users should note that Gemini requires an internet connection for operation, as it does not process data locally. There have been some reports of users retaining access to Google Assistant even after the update, possibly due to incomplete server-side changes; restarting the smartwatch may resolve this issue.
Gemini aims to provide users with functionality such as setting timers and alarms, but it currently lacks some features such as summarizing notifications or interfacing with third-party apps like WhatsApp, indicating further enhancements may be forthcoming as the rollout continues.
As the rollout continues, users can monitor their devices for updates in the Play Store and follow announcements for potential additional features in upcoming versions of the assistant.