Google’s Gemini AI assistant has been updated with a utility extension, allowing it to run a variety of smartphone operations. The Mountain View-based tech giant initially revealed the extension at its Google I/O event earlier this year.
The Utilities extension allows the Gemini AI assistant on Android smartphones to operate first-party apps and functions like alarms, timers, volume controls, and camera. The extension has been found on certain devices, but a full rollout could take many weeks.
The Utilities addon is available through the Gemini app for Android. However, because the feature uses the smartphone’s virtual assistant, users must ensure that Gemini is set as the device’s default assistant. Also, the feature only works with prompts in English, therefore instructions in other languages are currently unsupported.
This update solves a significant issue with the Gemini AI assistant: it couldn’t perform device-related activities like setting an alarm and timer or accessing the camera. So far, Google’s answer was to use app-specific extensions or activate Google Assistant to do the tasks. However, these solutions took away from the virtual assistant’s overall experience.
At Google I/O, the tech giant revealed that the extension will enable Gemini to execute numerous operations with a single natural language command. Users can, for example, request to set an alarm, activate DND mode, or access a website.
LoudFact staff members were able to see and activate this extension. This allows the AI assistant to manage tasks like as setting and silencing alarms, starting and terminating timers, turning on or off the flashlight, Bluetooth, DND, and Battery Saver mode, checking the device’s volume and battery level, turning it off or restarting, and more. Some of these tasks can also be completed from the lock screen.
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The Utilities extension will also allow Gemini to access the Camera app and take a picture or screenshot. The AI assistant can also control media playback on a media player app, doing operations like as pausing and playing, as well as switching to the previous or next media.
