What you need to know
In a recent communication from Google’s Gemini Team, users were informed of an upcoming enhancement to the AI’s integration with various applications. This announcement, which gained traction on Reddit, outlines a significant shift in how Gemini interacts with connected apps on Android devices.
- The Gemini Team is reaching out to users via email, as noted by a Redditor.
- Gemini will soon have the capability to access connected Extensions (apps) to assist with user queries without requiring App Activity to be enabled.
- Despite some initial concerns regarding the email’s content, Google reassures users that they maintain control over which apps and data Gemini can access.
- This update is scheduled to roll out on July 7.
Google’s recent email, which was highlighted in discussions on the Bard subreddit, aims to clarify a change designed to enhance the overall app integration experience for users. The message began with a straightforward declaration: “We’re updating how Gemini interacts with some of the apps on your Android device.” This adjustment pertains specifically to Gemini’s Apps Activity records within user Google accounts, paving the way for a more seamless quality of life improvement.
A Change that’s meant to Help
Some Gemini Extensions Won’t Require Usage Activity from r/Bard
The email from Google sparked a mix of reactions, particularly among users who were alarmed by the implication that Gemini would have access to their calls and texts, regardless of whether App Activity was enabled. Concerns were further compounded by the lack of clear instructions on how to disable this feature, as noted by Android Authority.
However, Google swiftly addressed these worries with an official statement, emphasizing the benefits of the update: “This update is good for users: they can now use Gemini to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices like sending messages, initiating phone calls, and setting timers while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off.”
The company reiterated that users retain the ability to disconnect Gemini from specific apps at any time. This can be easily managed by navigating to Gemini’s Settings and selecting “Apps,” where users can toggle off access to any apps linked to their Google Account, thereby restricting data availability.
As we anticipate this forthcoming update, it’s worth noting that earlier this year, Google introduced a significant upgrade to the Gemini app alongside a personalization test. In March, the company unveiled an experimental feature utilizing an enhanced 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, which promises a more customized experience by leveraging search history to recommend restaurants based on user preferences.
Moreover, the 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model is set to incorporate an even broader array of applications, enabling Gemini to assist users with complex queries that necessitate information from multiple sources.
