Google has made a significant push into AI this year, placing its latest AI model, Gemini, at the forefront of its services. Integrated deeply across various Google platforms, Gemini has even taken the place of Google Assistant as the default assistant on Android devices. However, despite this major role, Gemini currently lacks many features that were readily available with Google Assistant, especially when it comes to functionality with locked devices. At present, Gemini is almost ineffective when a phone is locked, limiting its usefulness.
This situation could soon change, as an APK teardown has revealed hints that Google is working on updates to allow Gemini to handle more tasks, even when a phone is locked. A recent discovery by Android Authority indicates that Google may soon introduce a new setting within the Google app, enabling users to choose whether they want Gemini to be able to make phone calls or send messages while the phone is locked. While this setting would give more flexibility, even with the feature enabled, Gemini would still request that the phone be unlocked when a response involves personal data from apps, such as emails from Gmail. Presently, although Gemini can perform tasks like making calls and sending texts when the phone is unlocked, only Google Assistant has the capability to do so when the device remains locked.
This development is part of a broader set of changes that Google is reportedly working on for Gemini. Earlier this month, tech expert Mishaal Rahman uncovered a hidden feature in the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 update, which suggests that there could soon be a way to interact with Gemini directly from the lock screen. Additionally, Google is reportedly experimenting with Gemini extensions that would allow seamless integration with popular apps such as WhatsApp, Spotify, and Google Messages, potentially improving how these apps work in tandem with the AI model.
Furthermore, Gemini appears to be receiving some interface upgrades. Android Authority reports that the floating overlay for Gemini is being simplified, making it less intrusive. The overlay will expand vertically as users type, providing a cleaner, more minimalistic experience. Along with these UI adjustments, Gemini’s extensions will soon be more neatly organized, grouped into categories like Communication, Travel, Media, Device Control, and Productivity. These changes are expected to make the AI assistant more user-friendly and efficient, signaling that Google is continually working to enhance the functionality and integration of its AI-driven model across its ecosystem.