What you need to know
Recent developments suggest that Google may be on the verge of replacing its iconic hot word “Hey Google” with a new phrase: “Hey Gemini.” This speculation arises from a thorough examination of the latest beta version of the Google app, where debugging expert Shiv, also known as AssembleDebug, uncovered a string that hints at this potential change.
While Google has yet to issue an official statement regarding this transition, the company has been subtly signaling a shift over the past year. The introduction of Gemini, a sophisticated AI framework, appears to be at the forefront of this evolution. Notably, in Project Moohan, users are seen interacting with AI by using the phrase “Hey Gemini” to activate the assistant.
Moreover, during last year’s I/O event, Google showcased Project Astra, a multimodal assistant that seemed to respond to queries using the Gemini framework. In the accompanying video, viewers can spot subtitles indicating that Gemini is the assistant being addressed, as users request it to identify various objects or engage in playful banter about crayons.
There have even been whispers surrounding the upcoming Galaxy S25 series, which reportedly features promotional material branding Gemini as the premier assistant. A Brazilian news outlet highlighted this by displaying the phrase “Hey Google Gemini,” although this specific branding did not make it to the final product.
As it stands, the familiar “Hey Google” remains active on devices, but with the anticipation building for I/O 2025, a formal announcement regarding this shift could be imminent. Observers are keen to see how Google plans to fully integrate Gemini into its ecosystem, especially considering that some of its advanced features may be gated behind a paywall.
