Google Assistant Archives

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

Android Auto to gain video playback, games, web browsing

New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Google Home kicks off a Gemini-backed ‘Voice Assistant’ test for Android

Google Home's app on Android is rolling out a Public Preview test called "Voice Assistant," which allows users to control access to the experimental AI feature, Gemini, on their smart home devices. Gemini was first tested on Nest devices last December and is now being integrated into Google Home with improved AI-generated automations and new features. The "Voice Assistant" experiment enables users to manage how household members can access Assistant experiments, but requires "Voice Match" setup for access. Gemini enhances the Assistant's capabilities by providing more comprehensive answers and allowing follow-up questions. At the I/O 2025 event, Google announced additional features for Google Home, including a "Home Summary" widget for Pixel devices and improvements to the "help me create" feature for automation.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

I tested Gemini’s driving experience at Google I/O

Google is set to launch the Gemini update for Android Auto, enhancing hands-free functionality for drivers. The update will feature different experiences based on vehicle compatibility, with around 250 million cars supporting Android Auto and about 50 models equipped with Google built-in. Gemini allows for voice control independent of an Android smartphone, enabling tasks like adjusting climate settings through natural language commands. Vehicles with Google built-in will have access to the Google Play Store and integrated car manuals. Gemini will also include offline capabilities and streamline trip planning via voice commands. Most features will be available across all vehicles with Android Auto, with a rollout expected in the coming months. The pre-release version showed improved reliability over the previous Google Assistant.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft starts testing ‘Hey, Copilot!’ in Windows

Microsoft is rolling out a hands-free feature for its Copilot Voice application on Windows 11, allowing users to start conversations by saying “Hey Copilot!” Beta testers, known as Windows Insiders, can activate this feature within the updated app. Users need to enable the feature to respond to the wake word, and the rollout is gradual, with availability to testers worldwide who have set their display language to English. Eligibility requires the Copilot app version to be 1.25051.10.0 or higher. Once activated, a microphone icon will appear, and the feature uses an on-device wake word spotter with a 10-second audio buffer, ensuring audio clips are not sent to the cloud or stored locally. Full functionality requires online access for cloud processing.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google’s Find My Device gets a much-needed update

Google's Android operating system update on May 13 rebranded Find My Device to Find Hub, adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tag support and satellite connectivity for improved tracking. Google plans to partner with airlines to enable Bluetooth tag location sharing for lost luggage recovery, launching early next year. The update is part of the Android 16 revamp, which includes personalization options and the introduction of Material 3 Expressive. Additionally, Google I/O announced the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Live across various platforms for a more intuitive AI experience.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

The Android Show I/O Edition: Everything that was announced from Android 16 to Android XR

Google is unveiling key features ahead of the Google I/O event, including Material 3 Expressive (M3), which focuses on enhancing user experience through color, shape, size, motion, and containment. M3 will introduce a vibrant UI for smartphones and wearables, featuring a new "tear away" notification system and playful animations. The Pixel Watch will have animations that follow the display's curvature, and Wear OS 6 will allow users to customize color schemes and watch faces. Google's Gemini AI will be integrated into more devices, replacing Google Assistant and enhancing interactions on Wear OS, Google TV, Android Auto, and Android XR. Gemini will provide hands-free assistance for Wear OS users and facilitate natural conversations in Android Auto. It will also improve content discovery on Google TV and offer real-time planning assistance in Extended Reality devices. To combat online scams, Google is introducing privacy tools with Android 16, including enhanced warning systems in caller and Google Messages apps, AI-driven detection of fraudulent messages, and a Key Verifier program for secure end-to-end encrypted communication. Google Play Protection will implement live threat detection for malicious app changes.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Here’s a First Look at the Redesigned Clock App Coming with Material Design 3

Google is redesigning its Clock app to adopt the Material Design 3 Expressive theme, featuring a new font for improved readability, elongated time selectors for better interaction, and a larger squircle-shaped floating action button repositioned for easier access. The Clock tab will be renamed "World Clock," and the Alarms page will see a comprehensive redesign with a modern elongated time selector and additional options for alarm name, sound, vibration, weather forecast, and Google Assistant routines. The Timers section will change the play icon to a rectangular “Start” button, while the Stopwatch tab will shift to a cubical layout. The Bedtime mode will largely retain its existing design. User reactions to the redesign have been mixed, with some expressing concerns about the transition from rounded to boxy elements and the overall consistency of the design. The redesign is still in early stages, and user feedback will influence its final form.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Gemini will come to Wear OS as an app update [APK Insight]

Google's Gemini platform will replace Assistant on Wear OS devices through an app update. This transition was hinted at in January, with the latest Assistant app version (1.18.x) revealing strings related to Gemini. Users can activate Gemini by holding the side button or using the "Hey Google" hotword. Gemini's capabilities will be similar to Google Assistant, allowing users to set alarms, timers, and message contacts, though it's unclear if it will integrate with Gmail or Google Maps. Location and Voice Match settings will remain unchanged, and the Wear OS Tile feature will still be available. The launch may coincide with a new flagship watch.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini on Wear OS should stick to the Assistant status quo, mostly

Google is set to introduce Gemini support to Wear OS smartwatches, replacing the existing Google Assistant. This transition follows Google's plan to fully transition to Gemini, starting with Android phones and expanding to tablets, Android Auto, headphones, Nest speakers, Google TV, and smartwatches. Insights from 9to5Google suggest that Gemini may be a straightforward app enhancement rather than a radical overhaul. The Pixel 9a features a Tensor G4 chip but has limited AI capabilities due to its 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel Watch 3 has 2GB of RAM and older Arm Cortex cores, which may hinder Gemini's performance compared to Assistant. There is potential for improved interaction with applications through Gemini extensions, but true Gemini Live-style conversations on smartwatches may not be feasible without significant battery drain. Future iterations of the Pixel Watch may showcase enhanced Gemini capabilities, especially with a new Wear OS chip expected from Qualcomm, but Google's current focus is on ensuring Gemini operates effectively on existing Android watches.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is using Google’s apps better than using the ones already on my phone?

Jerry, a tech professional with over 15 years of experience, addresses questions about Android and technology. He emphasizes the dual nature of preinstalled apps on Android phones, which can provide functionality but also clutter the user experience. He suggests that manufacturers should improve backup processes similar to Apple’s. Key apps recommended for Android users include Google Chrome, Google Messages, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. Alternatives to consider are Samsung's web browser, WhatsApp for messaging, Samsung's file browser, and music services like Spotify and Apple Music. Users are encouraged to explore app recommendations and experiment with different applications to enhance their smartphone experience.