Google Gemini Expands Capabilities with New Utilities Extension, Closing Gap with Google Assistant
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Google Gemini is set to finally reach its full potential - and take over from Google Assistant - thanks to a major upgrade
Google Gemini is taking another step closer to becoming the fully-fledged virtual assistant that we all want thanks to a new update rolling out now called "Gemini Utilities Extension" that can control your Android mobile device and apps. While the update is on the way, it could take a few days to
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Gemini's new extension brings back your favorite Google Assistant features on Android
This new extension for Gemini finally brings the app up to par with your old Google Assistant in terms of basic functionality and more. If you've been missing Google Assistant since Gemini took over, you'll want to know about a major upgrade coming to your phone. One of the biggest complaints
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Gemini Will Soon Be Able to Control Your Smartphone With This Extension
Gemini AI assistant is finally getting support for an extension that will allow it to perform various smartphone tasks. Dubbed the Utilities extension, it was first announced at the Google I/O and it can control first-party apps and functions such as alarm, timer, volume control, camera, and more.
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Gemini's newest extension finally makes it a decent Google Assistant alternative
Key Takeaways The new Google Gemini Utilities extension adds more functionality. Gemini can now do much of what Google Assistant has been able to do for simple tasks. Google continues to work on replacing Assistant with Gemini, but there are many more tools that need to be added before that can
[5]
Google Home finally gets Gemini support -- and it's about time
The Google Gemini app is getting a Google Home extension. This will allow you to use the AI assistant to interact with your smart home devices more conversationally. While you can already use a Google Nest device to issue voice commands, talking to Gemini feels more natural than the standard Google
[6]
Gemini AI Assistant Can Now Control Your Smart Home Devices
Gemini cannot complete security device actions that require a pin Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) assistant is getting support for a new extension that will allow users to control their smart home appliances. The AI-powered virtual assistant for Android devices has been receiving regular
[7]
Google is building smart home controls into Gemini
Google is adding a Google Home extension to the Gemini app, allowing you to control your smart home while chatting with the AI assistant. The update, which is available to Android users as part of Google Home's Public Preview program, will let you use natural language prompts, like "Set the dining
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Google Home's new Gemini Extension frees you to control your smart home with natural language
Inch by inch, Google Gemini is slowly spreading its AI reach across more and more of the company's apps and services. And as it does so, Gemini becomes more useful and more functional, to the point that it should one day be ready to replace Assistant. Maybe the most substantial way we see Gemini's
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Google Gemini Rolls Out 'Utilities' Extension For Android: Here's What All You Can Do With It - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
Alphabet Inc.'s GOOG GOOGL Google Gemini app has introduced a "Utilities" extension for Android users. What Happened: Initially previewed at I/O 2024 in May, the Gemini Utilities Extension is now being rolled out. It replaces the Google Assistant fallback, enabling users to control alarms,
[10]
Google Is Working on Letting Gemini Control Your Smart Devices
Smart homes have gotten more intelligent over the years, but we still haven't quite reached the same level as old sci-fi movies where people could talk directly to a house AI. Fortunately, if Google plays its cards right, this technology may come sooner than you think. The company is working on
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Google is rolling out a new Utilities extension for Gemini, enhancing its functionality to match and potentially surpass Google Assistant on Android devices. This update brings Gemini closer to becoming a comprehensive virtual assistant.
Google Introduces Gemini Utilities Extension
Google is rolling out a significant upgrade to its Gemini AI assistant, introducing the Gemini Utilities Extension. This new feature aims to bridge the functionality gap between Gemini and the traditional Google Assistant, potentially paving the way for Gemini to become the primary virtual assistant on Android devices
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.Enhanced Capabilities
The Gemini Utilities Extension brings a host of new functionalities to Android devices, including:
- Setting and managing alarms and timers
- Opening websites and apps
- Taking photos and screenshots
- Controlling media playback
- Adjusting device settings (e.g., volume, battery saver)
- Performing multiple actions with a single command
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These additions address one of the main criticisms of Gemini – its lack of basic functionality compared to Google Assistant
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.Lock Screen Features
The update also introduces several lock-screen-specific features, enhancing user convenience:
- Setting or silencing alarms and timers
- Turning the flashlight on or off
- Enabling Bluetooth
- Checking battery level
- Restarting the device
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Rollout and Availability
The Gemini Utilities Extension is being gradually rolled out to Android users. To access this feature:
- Gemini must be set as the primary phone assistant
- The Gemini mobile app for Android must be installed
- Gemini Apps activity must be enabled
- The Utilities extension should be turned on (it's on by default)
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Users can check for the extension's availability by tapping their profile photo in the Gemini app and looking for "Extensions"
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.Limitations and Future Developments
While the extension significantly expands Gemini's capabilities, some limitations remain:
- It's only available on Android devices
- The extension works only with prompts in English
- Certain functions, like controlling security devices, are still not supported
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Google continues to work on replacing Assistant with Gemini, but more tools need to be added before a complete transition can occur
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.Related Stories
Google Home Integration
In a related development, Google is also introducing Gemini support for Google Home. This integration allows users to interact with their smart home devices more conversationally through the Gemini app. The feature is currently available in the Google Home Public Preview program
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.Implications for Google's AI Strategy
The introduction of the Gemini Utilities Extension and its integration with Google Home signify Google's commitment to positioning Gemini as its primary AI assistant. This move aligns with the company's broader strategy of enhancing its AI offerings and streamlining its virtual assistant ecosystem
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.As Gemini continues to evolve and integrate more features, it's clear that Google is investing heavily in its AI capabilities to compete in the rapidly advancing field of conversational AI and smart home technology.
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