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

9to5Google
29 Mar 202408:00

TLDRThe video discusses the recent updates to Google's Gemini platform, including its integration with Google Messages and the upcoming Gemini Nano for the Pixel 8. It highlights the potential interest from Apple in adopting Gemini for their services and notes the expansion of Circle to Search to more devices. The video also mentions the improved web version of Gemini and the new location-based prompts feature, emphasizing the platform's continuous development and its growing utility for users.

Takeaways

  • 🚀 Gemini on mobile has been out for nearly two months, with numerous updates and improvements.
  • 🌟 Google has been actively making changes to the Gemini platform, especially in March, introducing new features and announcing the Gemini Nano for the Pixel 8.
  • 📱 Rumors suggest that Apple may be interested in integrating Gemini into their own services, highlighting the technology's significance.
  • 📱 The rollout of Gemini for Google Messages is currently in beta, offering a new messaging experience with AI capabilities on select devices.
  • 📱 The experience with Gemini on Google Messages differs from the mobile app, as it requires starting a new thread and operates over RCS, which may slow down response times.
  • 📱 Gemini's integration with Google Messages has been optimized for mobile, focusing on simplicity and avoiding complex responses.
  • 📱 Tablet users have reason to be excited as recent updates to the Google Search app hint at an upcoming Gemini integration for tablets.
  • 📱 Google Assistant remains accessible even when Gemini is activated on tablets, offering users more flexibility.
  • 📱 Apple's concern about the Pixel 8's performance with 8GB of RAM and the upcoming feature drop in June aims to reassure users of continued support.
  • 📱 Circle to Search is expanding to older smartphones, including various Pixel and Samsung devices, enhancing accessibility for more users.
  • 📱 Minor updates to Gemini include more precise control over responses and location-based prompts that automatically launch Google Maps.

Q & A

  • How long has Gemini on mobile been out?

    -Gemini on mobile has been out for a little under two months.

  • What new features were introduced to Gemini in March?

    -In March, Gemini received a handful of new features, and there was major news about Gemini Nano coming to the Pixel 8.

  • Is Apple showing interest in Gemini for their own services?

    -Yes, it is mentioned that Apple might be interested in Gemini for their own services, which is quite interesting.

  • What is the difference between using Gemini on mobile and on Google Messages?

    -Using Gemini on mobile involves interacting with an AI chatbot within the app, while on Google Messages, you have to start a new messaging thread with Gemini, and the responses are sent and received over RCS.

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

    -Gemini can assist with tasks such as creating a list of ingredients for dinner, brainstorming ideas, making a list of items for a video, providing a camping packing list, Halloween movie suggestions, and a spring cleaning checklist.

  • How is the tablet version of Gemini different from the mobile version?

    -The tablet version of Gemini is similar to the Pixel Fold version with two-column panels when needed and a full canvas page for certain screens. Notably, Google Assistant remains accessible even when Gemini is activated on the tablet.

  • What is the significance of the upcoming feature drop for Pixel 8?

    -The upcoming feature drop for Pixel 8 is significant as it will bring Gemini to the device, ensuring that it runs smoothly despite having 8 gigs of RAM, which was a concern previously.

  • Which devices are expected to get 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, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series. The Pixel Fold and Pixel tablet are also expected to get this feature.

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

    -In early March, Google added the ability to select a specific string of text in Gemini's responses and use a new pen icon to regenerate, shorten, or lengthen that particular section. This change allows for more precise control over the response edits.

  • How has Gemini improved location-based prompts?

    -Gemini has improved location-based prompts by automatically launching Google Maps when commands like 'take me to the closest grocery store' or 'navigate to the park' are given. This provides a quick summary of the time and distance, then immediately opens map navigation for a more hands-free experience.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Gemini on Mobile: Updates and Features

This paragraph discusses the developments and updates related to Gemini on mobile platforms since its release two months ago. Google has made significant changes to the platform, especially in March, introducing new features and announcing Gemini Nano for the upcoming Pixel 8. There are also rumors that Apple may be interested in integrating Gemini into their own services. The user shares their experiences with Gemini, particularly its integration into Google messages, where it is available in beta for select devices. The AI chatbot interacts over RCS, leading to slightly slower response times but optimized mobile content. The user also mentions the potential for Gemini integration into tablets with the recent Google Search app update and the ability for Gemini to handle tasks on tablets. The paragraph ends with a mention of Apple's potential interest in Gemini, highlighting the platform's growing influence.

05:01

🚀 Upcoming Features and Device Support

This paragraph focuses on upcoming features for Gemini and the expansion of its support to more devices. It mentions the next feature drop, which is expected in June, and reassures Pixel 8 owners of continued support for their devices. Additionally, the paragraph covers the expansion of Circle to Search to older smartphones, including various Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models, with the Pixel fold and tablet expected to receive the feature soon. The user expresses their satisfaction with these developments, particularly the addition of Circle to Search for the Pixel fold, which they have been using frequently.

📝 Gemini's Web Version and Location-Based Prompts

The final paragraph of the script discusses minor but noteworthy updates to Gemini. One such update is the improved control over responses in the web version of Gemini, allowing users to edit specific sections of the generated text. The other update mentioned is the introduction of location-based prompts that automatically launch Google Maps, providing a more hands-free experience for navigation-related commands. Although these updates may not be as groundbreaking as previous ones, they contribute to enhancing the overall user experience with Gemini.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Gemini

Gemini is a platform or service being discussed in the video, which seems to be related to mobile applications and services. It is a core subject as the video talks about its features, updates, and integration with various devices and services. The term is used multiple times throughout the script, indicating its significance.

💡Google Messages

Google Messages is an application for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages on Android devices. In the context of the video, it is highlighted as one of the platforms being integrated with Gemini, which is currently in beta for select devices. This integration is a key development in the evolution of Gemini's capabilities.

💡Pixel 6

Pixel 6 is a series of smartphones developed by Google. In the video, it is mentioned as one of the devices that are compatible with the Gemini platform. The Pixel 6 series is significant as it represents Google's efforts to integrate advanced features and services, such as Gemini, into their hardware.

💡Samsung Devices

Samsung Devices in the context of the video refer to a range of smartphones and tablets manufactured by Samsung that are compatible with the Gemini platform. The mention of Samsung devices indicates the broadening reach of Gemini across different brands and its potential to become a widely adopted service.

💡Google Search App

The Google Search App is a mobile application that allows users to search the internet and access information. In the video, it is noted that recent updates to the Google Search App version 15.12 hint at potential Gemini integration for tablets, suggesting that Google is working on expanding the reach and functionality of Gemini across different types of devices.

💡Circle to Search

Circle to Search is a feature that allows users to search for information in a circular manner, possibly referring to a visual or interactive search method. The video mentions that this feature is expanding to older smartphones, indicating an effort by Google to enhance user experience and accessibility of advanced search functionalities on a wider range of devices.

💡AI Chatbot

An AI Chatbot, or Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, is a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet. In the context of the video, the AI chatbot is a key component of the Gemini platform, facilitating interactions and providing responses to user prompts.

💡Google Assistant

Google Assistant is a virtual assistant developed by Google, primarily for Android and iOS devices and smart home devices. It is mentioned in the video as a point of comparison to Gemini, noting that while Gemini is not yet a complete replacement for Google Assistant, it offers unique features and functionalities.

💡Pixel 8

Pixel 8 is an upcoming smartphone from Google, mentioned in the video in relation to the Gemini platform. The discussion around the Pixel 8 focuses on the device's compatibility with Gemini and the anticipation surrounding its release.

💡Web Version of Gemini

The web version of Gemini refers to the browser-based interface for the Gemini platform. The video mentions a new tweak to this version that allows for more precise control of responses, indicating continuous improvements and refinements to the user experience.

💡Location-Based Prompts

Location-based prompts are a type of user input that utilizes geographical information to provide context-specific responses or actions. In the video, it is mentioned that Gemini now includes location-based prompts that automatically launch Google Maps, enhancing the platform's utility for navigation and location-related tasks.

Highlights

Gemini on mobile has been out for nearly two months, with Google making numerous changes to the platform.

In March alone, Google introduced several new features and major news about Gemini Nano coming to the Pixel 8.

Apple may be interested in Gemini for their own services, indicating the technology's growing importance.

Gemini for Google messages was rolled out in beta for select devices, including the Pixel 6 and Samsung S22 series.

The experience of using Gemini on Google messages differs from the mobile app, with interactions happening over RCS.

Gemini's responses are optimized for mobile, focusing on simplicity and avoiding overly complex visuals.

Gemini can be used for practical tasks like creating a list of ingredients for dinner or brainstorming ideas.

Google provides examples of how to use Gemini, such as generating a camping packing list or Halloween movie suggestions.

Recent updates to the Google Search app hint at Gemini integration for tablets, with a version designed for tablet use.

The tablet version of Gemini allows for simultaneous use of Google Assistant and Gemini, enhancing the user experience.

Apple's concern about the Pixel 8's performance with 8GB of RAM suggests the resource-intensive nature of Gemini.

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

The Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet are expected to get Circle to Search, improving accessibility for users of these devices.

Gemini's web version now allows for more precise control of responses, enabling users to edit specific parts of the generated text.

Location-based prompts in Gemini will automatically launch Google Maps, providing a more seamless navigation experience.

Despite being slower than Google Assistant, Gemini's integration into various Google services signifies its growing role within the ecosystem.