Previously known as Bard, Google Gemini was launched on December 6, 2023. The large language model (LLM) developed by Google has been positioned as a strong competitor to other popular AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude.
Gemini has been developed using a staggering number of resources and contributed to by some of the best programmers in the world. From humble beginnings, the AI has undergone incredible changes to become one of the leaders in the industry.
Gemini’s success has been in part because of its integration with other Google products. However, with more integrations in the works and a deeper interweaving of Google services and Gemini AI, many have started to question whether the AI will eventually take over Android devices.
If you have the same question, keep reading as we examine how Gemini started being injected into Google services, the future plans for additional integration, and whether Android may soon become a stage for Gemini and a shell of its former self.
Early Integrations
The first integration of Gemini with Android occurred in February 2024, just after Bard was officially rebranded as Google Gemini. At the same time as the new name was revealed, the Gemini app was released.
Upon installation, this app allowed Gemini to replace the default Google Assistant, a popular feature of Android devices for years. This integration was minimal, with Gemini handling only basic tasks and pushing most through to Google Assistant to complete—making the process of using the assistant slightly slower.
Another integration that occurred at this time was the introduction of Gemini to the Android Messages app. This application handles all SMS messages using Rich Communication Services (RCS).
This integration allows users to ask Gemini to draft messages on their behalf. Beyond this, however, the features are limited; the AI can’t, for example, provide you with chat summaries or help you find specific conversations in your inbox.
However, the move to incorporate Gemini in Messages created a new contact called Gemini that users can message to plan events or itineraries, brainstorm new ideas, or just have a conversation with the chatbot.
Integration Tsunami
At the annual Google I/O held on May 14, 2024, Google announced a flood of new integrations coming to Gemini. Described as ‘a tsunami of new AI features’ by some press outlets, Google announced that the AI will be injected into more Android devices, the company’s popular browser Chrome, Google Photos, and Google Workspace.
While these may not seem like many services, Google Workspace alone includes more than eight applications, including Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, and Sheets. Gemini was quickly integrated into these apps, and a new side panel allows easy access to Gemini directly from Google documents, Gmail inboxes, and Drive folders.
Powered by Gemini 1.5 Pro, integrating Gemini into these apps helps users perform various tasks quickly and without much effort. From summarizing documents to filtering mail by what’s most important, users worldwide soon began identifying prompts for the AI that make life easier by helping them do things faster.
These integrations may not have affected Android devices significantly. However, they altered key applications used by Android users who check their email or work on documents using their smartphones.
Just shortly after these integrations, in June 2024, Gemini was again linked to several Google products through extensions. These included Google Flights, YouTube, Hotels, YouTube Music, and Google Maps. Many of these are accessed predominantly through smartphones using Android.
Future Integrations
In July, Gemini on Android devices took a major leap forward by bringing a much-requested feature to life. After an update by Google, Android users can now speak to Gemini and receive responses, even if their phone is locked.
This feature allows users to ask Gemini to find a game from casinos.com’s collection of the best RTP slots of 2024, set alarms, or request directions to a particular place. The assistant can also provide audible responses to web queries or other questions. This update, however, appears only to be the beginning.
Industry experts have analysed an unreleased Google app for Android, revealing new connections between Gemini and the Android ecosystem. Once released, it will grant Gemini greater control over Android devices via advanced permissions—the same as those currently utilized by Google Assistant.
While introducing new features may not have a visible impact on Gemini’s usage on these devices, it will make a material difference in how long Gemini takes to complete requests. This is because it will directly process more prompts on its own rather than handing them over to Google Assistant to complete.
Alongside this change, the new Google app under development appears to hold integrations between Gemini and Google Home. These will allow users to prompt Gemini to control specific Google Home-connected devices, ranging from lights to locks and any other IoT device.
There is no official release date for these features yet, nor are they officially confirmed as part of the next Google app update. However, many believe they will be unveiled at the Pixel 9 launch, which is scheduled for later this year.
Will Gemini Take Over Android?
Many integrations between Google Gemini and Android were rapidly released over the course of 2024. These seem to be the foretaste of more to come, which will further inject AI into any device running Google’s famous operating system.
Despite this, it is highly unlikely that Gemini will entirely take over Android in the near future, if ever. Instead, Gemini will likely be integrated more into the existing operating system to help bring new features to market and enhance the Android user experience.
The fear that Android is likely to be replaced has already been proven false through the hype and downfall of Google Fuchsia. Those concerned about Gemini going the same path can relax and enjoy the new accessibility and ease the LLM brings to Android devices.
