Google Gemini AI Now Accessible on Android Lock Screen

Gemini on Android just got a major upgrade -- now you can chat without unlocking your phone

Google's Gemini AI just got a pretty useful upgrade on Android phones. As announced back at Google I/O 2024 earlier this year, it's now possible to use the "Gemini on lock screen" feature. That means the chatbot can now answer general questions without making you unlock, or even touch, your phone first (via 9to5Google). Previously Gemini was limited by whatever Google Assistant was capable of on the lock screen. Setting alarms, tinkering with some settings, controlling volume and media playback, things like that. Anything more elaborate and you'd need to unlock the phone first. That's no longer the case for Gemini. The idea here is that you can ask Gemini questions about things that don't involve your own personal information. Weather is the one that has been brought up in the past, though TechRadar also notes that this could include things like answering math problems or asking for basic facts and trivia. While it may seem like quite a small update, this should make Gemini considerably more useful in everyday life. Unlocking your phone can be a chore, especially if you don't actually have your phone in your hand. So not only can this change save you the effort of unlocking your phone, you should be able to ask Gemini questions from across the room. Let's just hope your volume is high enough for you to actually hear the response. That said you may come across things Gemini can't do without some kind of user verification. So just be aware that this won't be opening the floodgates and Gemini won't be handing over sensitive information to anyone who asks. Which is the last thing anyone wants. The feature is apparently still rolling out, so you may not be able to access it right away. Fortunately Google has a guide on how to turn the feature on and off, meaning you can check for yourself and start asking Gemini questions from the lock screen. Or turn it off again later, if you change your mind and decide it's not worth the hassle.

You can now chat with Google's Gemini AI even when your Android phone is locked

Gemini will answer 'general questions' about the weather, and even answer math problems Android phone owners can now ask 'general questions' of Google's Gemini AI assistant even when the device is locked. As part of the Gemini Live feature previewed at Google I/O 2024, the new option expands the generative AI's abilities from the lock screen, widening the range of hands-free experiences possible before touching the device. Android owners can set up the lock screen Gemini feature through the "Gemini on lock screen" page of their preferences. Gemini's capabilities on the lock screen have been restricted to those accessible for a long time via Google Assistant. You could set an alarm, adjust the volume and content of media, or play with phone settings. Anything else would require the user to unlock the phone. With the new update, users can now ask general questions directly from the lock screen, and the AI will answer them right away. By general questions, Google is referring to anything without personal details. So you can ask for the answer to a math question, find out the local weather, or any basic factual trivia. Earlier reports about the lock screen control delved into what looks like future additions to Gemini's controls on the lock screen. Specifically, it appears four of Google's services will become Gemini extensions on lock screens: Google Maps, Google Flights, Google Hotels, and YouTube. The exact shape of those upgrades isn't clear, but presumably, you'll be able to at least track flights, get directions, watch videos, and search hotel options. Anything that doesn't require a login or personal details would be feasible based on the current design. The expanded Gemini access on Android is all part of Google's efforts to embed the AI assistant across its services and into the lives of its users. By enabling general question answering from the lock screen, Google is relieving a likely common complaint about the device while also encouraging Android users to rely on Gemini over other options. Making Gemini more competitive in the digital assistant market of the future may help it thrive, whereas Google Assistant has had stiffer competition among voice assistants like Alexa and Siri.

Gemini on Android can now answer questions while your phone is locked

To date, saying, "Hey, Google" to a locked phone only allowed Gemini to handle a few basic tasks like setting alarms and timers, controlling media, and phone controls like flashlight and volume. Now, Gemini can help answer basic questions from your lock screen, Google says. Also: The best AI image generators of 2024: Tested and reviewed Google didn't specify what "basic questions" meant, but when I tested the feature, it was able to provide things that were generally available via online search and read the result out loud. I asked about the weather, the next game time for my favorite team, the population of my state, and other basic search-style questions and received an answer for each. Tapping into the generative AI side, I asked it to generate a list of themed ideas for my kid's birthday and received a list I could access later. Google Assistant, the default option on most Android phones before now, has allowed for lock screen operation for some time now. Of course I was a little concerned about privacy. What happens if someone finds or steals my phone? Can they read messages, change my schedule, or contact someone while the device is locked? From my testing, no. Asking for more personal things like my next calendar event or my last text message required unlocking the device. I tried asking it to text my wife to say I'd be late, and while it did offer up several versions of a text I could send, it didn't bring up the messaging app to let me send it. Google adds that Gemini can't perform some lock screen tasks that Google Assistant can if it isn't your primary assistant. So, if you want to take full advantage, you'll want to make Gemini your main option. Also: How to use Gemini: Everything you should know This feature will be on by default if you have Gemini, but you can turn it off if you'd like. To stop Gemini from answering questions from your phone's lock screen, open Gemini and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner. Open "Settings" and then "Gemini on lock screen." You'll see a toggle to turn the option off. Using Gemini from your Android's lock screen doesn't necessarily open up any new capabilities, but it does make accessing Gemini much more convenient, especially while driving. Instead of reaching for your phone to Google a random question that pops into your mind or to find quick information, you can now find most of what you need hands-free.

Google Gemini is now a lot more helpful on Android phones | Digital Trends

Google Gemini is getting a little bit smarter thanks to a small change recently discovered by 9to5Google. The AI assistant will now answer "general questions" even if your Android device is locked. According to a Google support page, commands like "What's the weather?" once required you to open your phone first. However, Google now lets you "get answers from Gemini without unlocking your device." Previously, Gemini could only control things like alarms, timers, and media while your phone was locked. Recommended Videos The noted support page also explains Gemini settings for when the lock screen setting is on and when the Google Assistant lock screen setting is on in your Gemini settings. Google introduced its large language model, Gemini, in February. Since then, it has added significant features to the AI tool, now available across Android devices. In May, for example, at Google I/O 2024, the company announced an "Ask Photos" feature for Google Gemini, allowing users to search for images using a conversation-style approach. During the same event, Google announced that Search will use Gemini's capabilities to better understand user intent and suggest solutions that may require multiple steps or planning. Video search is also being tested, at least in the U.S. Additionally, Gemini models are now integrated with Gmail, Docs, and other Workspace applications to help with email summaries and document analysis tasks. The "general questions" Gemini feature is now offered to select Android users. However, it hasn't arrived for everyone at the time of this writing, but that should change soon.