Google Prepares to Replace Assistant with Gemini on Wear OS Smartwatches

Gemini looks set to replace Google Assistant on your wrist as Google plans a massive AI upgrade for Wear OS

It promises easy back and forth conversations to "get more done" with an assistant on your wrist A new leak has revealed that Google could be planning a massive AI upgrade for Wear OS in the form of Google Gemini. Google Gemini was launched in 2023, and is the search giant's answer to the global surge of interest in AI models like ChatGPT. Now, it seems that Google is planning to replace the Google Assistant feature on many of the best Android smartwatches with a more capable AI assistant. According to 9to5 Google, Gemini is listed by name in the latest Google App beta code, specifically in a string (line of code) pertaining to wearables. An expanded accompanying description reads: "Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI." So when can we expect this upgrade, and what would it mean for Android wearables? Adding Google Gemini to Wear OS would be a pretty serious upgrade to Android wearable software, but there are a couple of unknowns. Firstly, as 9to5 notes, there's no guarantee that this code indicates an imminent or confirmed launch of Gemini on Wear OS, but it is a pretty big hint. Google Gemini works on all of the best Android phones, not just the company's own Pixel models. As such, we can probably expect Gemini to work on other Android smartwatches, not just the Google Pixel Watch 3 and its forebears. While you're likely not going to be compiling sales pitches or generating images on your wrist, Google Gemini in Wear OS could expand Google Assistant significantly. The assistant currently offers information such as weather and traffic reports, and helps with reminders, tasks, alarms, and more. Indeed, if this specific leak is anything to go by, Google Gemini on Wear OS promises a more intuitive and conversational experience that could transform your smartwatch into the ultimate AI companion.

Google is getting ready to bring Gemini AI to your Wear OS smartwatch

Summary Code found in the Google app beta suggests Gemini is coming to Wear OS. Strings of code explicitly mention Gemini as a "wearable" assistant, hinting at a dedicated experience for smartwatches. The code includes phrases like "easily talk back and forth," suggesting a more fluid and intuitive user experience compared to the current Google Assistant on Wear OS. This may include Gemini Live functionality. Gemini's arrival on Wear OS could happen via an update to the existing Assistant app. ✕ Remove Ads Google's 2024 was all about advancing Gemini and pushing it to as many of its products and services as possible, and 2025 will likely build on that momentum. What started as Bard has now made its way to smartphones, tablets, several services like Gmail, Docs, Google Maps, and more. The AI assistant expanded to iOS with a dedicated app, and even TVs are poised to enter their Gemini AI era later in 2025. Related The next generation of Google TVs will let you talk to Gemini without a remote Far-field mics and a new widget hub announced at CES Posts3 For reference, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, Google announced that upcoming Google TV devices will allow you to converse with your TV's virtual assistant without having to speak directly into its remote, complete with an upgraded, Gemini-powered voice assistant landing on Google TV. ✕ Remove Ads Before that, however, we might see Gemini landing on Wear OS devices, and it could potentially happen alongside the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. As highlighted by 9to5Google, Google App version 16.0.5 beta offers hints at upcoming Wear OS Gemini support in the form of code snippets. <string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_robin_brand_name">Gemini</string> <string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_description">Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI</string> The strings clearly mention Gemini as a 'wearable' virtual assistant, alongside the line "Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI," which is a clear nod to Gemini. The "talk back and forth" part hints at a more natural and conversational manner of interaction, which suggests that Gemini Live, too, might make its way to Wear OS via the integration, even though there's no explicit mention of it. ✕ Remove Ads Better late than never Related Google brought Gemini to iPhone before its own smartwatches and speakers Going where the audience is Posts2 The report suggests that Gemini might arrive on Wear OS through an update to the existing Assistant app. When that happens, though, is currently unclear. The process of bringing up the assistant will likely remain the same -- by using the "Hey Google" wake word or by long pressing your wearable's side button. We recently spotted the "Hey Gemini" hotword in action in Android XR demo videos, offering an alternative to the long-standing "Hey Google" hotword, potentially on Wear OS too. Related 5 simple ways to supercharge your Android with Google Gemini The Google Assistant killer? Posts10 ✕ Remove Ads

Google Assistant may not be on Wear OS smartwatches much longer

Google Assistant has been the go-to aide on Wear OS devices for years, but several lines of decompiled code in the latest Wear OS beta suggest Gemini is preparing to stage a coup. Version 16.0.5 of Wear OS contains several strings -- a term that refers to a line of text or characters -- that point to the inclusion of Gemini in an upcoming version of Wear OS. Currently, the onboard assistant can be accessed by saying "Hey Google" when the screen is active or just by holding down the side button. Google Assistant can send responses to messages, play music, and answer questions all from the watch interface. During an APK teardown (a breakdown of code), the folks at 9to5Google discovered language that hints at an upcoming change, specifically with a line that says, "Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimaged with Google AI." Recommended Videos Of course, that one line doesn't reveal much about what Gemini might bring to Wear OS. It's possible that rather than replacing Google Assistant entirely, Gemini could be an addition that enhances its capabilities. For reference, the strings look like this: Please enable Javascript to view this content <string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_robin_brand_name">Gemini</string> <string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_description">Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI</string> These discoveries are an early hint for what might come to Wear OS, but remember that this isn't an official announcement from Google. Strings of code like this might indicate an impending change, but they could also be nothing more than an experiment Google's engineers were working with. However, if this is something that Google intends to add, you can expect to hear more details soon. Gemini AI has become a major focal point for the company, and its addition to wearables would be a big deal.

Gemini getting ready to replace Google Assistant on Wear OS

Following phones, tablets, and earbuds, Google is next bringing Gemini to Wear OS watches. About APK Insight: In this "APK Insight" post, we've decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we're able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We'll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they'll look in case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on. Version 16.0.5 (from 15.52.37) -- kicking off the year in betas -- of the Google app describes Gemini as letting you "Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI." Strings today describe how to set-up Gemini on your watch from the phone app. Gemini might arrive on Wear OS via an update to the "Assistant" app -- com.google.android.wearable.assistant -- that was introduced with Wear OS 3. Like before, it can be accessed with the "Hey Google" hotword when the screen is active, or holding down on the side button.

Wear OS Getting Some Sweet Features in 2025

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. Separate teardowns are pointing to new features supposedly inbound for Wear OS users: Gemini as a replacement for Google Assistant and earthquake alerts. Courtesy of 9to5Google, Google is still preparing Gemini to replace Assistant on Wear OS, with code specifically mentioning, "Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI." No one is yet sure what Gemini will offer versus Assistant on Wear OS, but we at least expect the same level of integration that Assistant already has. Once live, you'll still be able to access your AI assistant via the "Hey Google" command, and ultimately, it should be a more natural communication experience between user and Gemini. Dug up by Android Authority, it also appears earthquake alerts are coming to Wear OS, which is good timing considering the latest tectonic happenings. As reported, a Google Play Services update could introduce the potentially life saving alerts to cellular-connected smartwatches, allowing those without their phone to receive the alerts. Neither of these features are yet live, but as soon as we learn more or something is made official by Google, we'll update you.