Android Central’s Editor’s Desk serves as a weekly exploration of the latest developments in the Android and mobile technology landscape. The integration of artificial intelligence into our daily lives is becoming increasingly seamless, with various manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, and OnePlus adopting their unique approaches. Yet, certain features, such as Gemini and Circle to Search, have emerged as common threads across many Android devices.
Thanks to Google’s intuitive design, these two features are readily accessible from the bottom of the screen, enhancing the user experience significantly. While Motorola has introduced an AI key and Samsung utilizes the power button, these alternatives often fall short in comparison. The Pixel phones, with their consistent implementation of these features, have made them indispensable tools for users.
Circle to Search, for instance, allows users to capture any on-screen content with a simple gesture, facilitating quick searches for information, song identification, text copying, and even translations. This functionality has become a favorite among the Android Central team, particularly for its ease of use and accessibility, resembling a more user-friendly version of Google Lens.
Gemini, on the other hand, offers a lesser-known shortcut that allows users to swipe from the bottom corner of the screen to activate the AI assistant. This method feels more natural and intuitive compared to the traditional long-press of the power button. For those interested in enabling this feature on major brands in North America, the process is straightforward:
- Pixel: Settings > System > Navigation mode > Gesture navigation settings > Swipe to invoke assistant.
- Motorola: Settings > Gestures > System navigation > Gesture navigation settings > Swipe for Assistant.
- OnePlus: Settings > System & update > System navigation > Gestures > Digital Assistant from Google.
What gives, Samsung?
Interestingly, Samsung appears to have omitted the swipe-to-assist feature in One UI 7, a change that has left many users questioning the rationale behind it. The removal became evident to me when I set up a new Samsung device, instinctively switching the power button back to its original function. The current method of using the power button to summon the assistant seems counterintuitive, especially since it complicates the process of turning off the phone.
While alternatives exist, such as the back tap feature or voice activation, these methods can be less convenient. The One Hand Operation Plus module in Good Lock offers a workaround by allowing users to create a new gesture for opening an “Assistance app,” although it lacks the simplicity of the original swipe gesture. Additionally, incorporating Gemini into the Edge Panel provides access from various screens, albeit with a slightly less fluid experience.
Despite my appreciation for One UI 7 and the improvements in One UI 8, the absence of the swipe gesture remains a puzzling decision by Samsung. I have reached out for clarification and will update this article upon receiving a response.
Ease of use with ease of access
As AI becomes an integral part of our lives, consumers remain cautious. Anshel Sag, a principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, notes that while some users find value in AI, many still view it as a “black box,” lacking understanding of its inner workings. Making AI features more accessible is crucial for normalizing their use. The enhancements in Gemini and Circle to Search reflect Google’s commitment to improving user experience, and linking these features with memorable gestures is a significant step toward fostering comfort with AI technology. Ultimately, the Android ecosystem thrives on choice, inviting users to explore the myriad of options available to engage with their favorite AI assistants.
