Samsung Expands Google Gemini Integration to Galaxy A Series Smartphones
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Galaxy A56 patch adds an essential Google Gemini shortcut
Samsung recently announced that it was attempting to bring the Google Gemini side button shortcut to Galaxy A devices. In a recent update, the Galaxy A56 became the first device of the series to receive the Gemini integration. With the introduction of One UI 7 and the switch over to Google Gemini, most Galaxy phones saw a change to how the new AI assistant was activated. The side button has been a staple of virtual assistants, with both Bixby and Google Assistant being a quick side button hold away from popping up. Still, some of Samsung's mid-range devices have taken a little longer to switch things up. In the May 2025 security update, the Galaxy A56 appears to be the first device in the A series to be able to activate Google Gemini with the side button (via SammyGuru). The button needs to be held down for a little over a second. It will trigger Google Gemini, which should pop up in a small pill at the bottom of the screen. The Gemini pill will allow users to enter Gemini Live or enter a prompt via voice or text. This Galaxy A56 update comes as Samsung announced that Gemini's side button shortcut would be coming to Galaxy A devices. Phones released between 2023 and 2025 would be in line for the upgrade, which also means those phones won't need to rely on simply opening the Gemini app when needed. The change will also emphasize even mid-range devices as AI devices, considering they will have Gemini on what is essentially speed dial.
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Samsung Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36 Reportedly Get This Galaxy S25 Feature
Latest update is likely to arrive automatically for the eligible phones Samsung has reportedly started pushing the May software update to its newest Galaxy A series devices, including the Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26. A key highlight of this update is a new feature for the side or power button, which now allows users to quickly access Gemini. The press-and-hold shortcut functionality for Gemini was limited to the flagship Galaxy S series smartphones earlier. As Samsung had promised, this feature is now expanding to the more budget-friendly Galaxy A series with the May update. As reported by Sammyfans, Samsung is rolling out a new software update for the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 that enables Google Gemini access via the power button. This allows users to launch the AI assistant just by pressing and holding the side button. The AI feature powered by One UI 7 is reportedly reaching eligible handsets with the May 2025 security patch. The Galaxy A26 is also said to be getting this software update. Users can reportedly customise the side button through Settings to match their preferences. They can either launch Gemini or stick with Bixby. Additionally, the update is said to bring support for cross-app functionality. Apps such as Calendar, Notes, Reminder, and Clock now integrate seamlessly with Gemini. Users can now perform tasks in these apps by providing voice commands with Gemini. Samsung had promised recently that select Galaxy A series devices, including Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26, would soon support AI assistant activation through the side button in early May. This update is part of Samsung's goal of making AI experiences more accessible. It was earlier exclusive to Galaxy S series devices. During the Galaxy S25 series launch in January, the Gemini integration was announced as a standout feature. The latest update is likely to arrive automatically for the eligible Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26 units. Users can also manually check for the update by heading to Settings > Software update > Download and Install.
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Samsung rolls out a software update for Galaxy A56 and other A series devices, introducing quick access to Google Gemini via the side button, a feature previously exclusive to flagship models.
Samsung Brings Gemini Integration to Mid-Range Devices
Samsung has taken a significant step in democratizing AI technology by expanding Google Gemini integration to its mid-range Galaxy A series smartphones. The May 2025 security update, initially rolled out to the Galaxy A56, introduces a feature that allows users to quickly access Google Gemini via the side button, a functionality previously exclusive to Samsung's flagship models
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.New Shortcut Functionality
The update enables users to activate Google Gemini by holding down the side button for just over a second. This action triggers a small pill-shaped interface at the bottom of the screen, offering options to enter Gemini Live or input prompts via voice or text
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. This integration aligns with Samsung's shift to Google Gemini as part of the One UI 7 update, replacing previous virtual assistants like Bixby and Google Assistant.Expanding to More Models
While the Galaxy A56 is the first A series device to receive this update, Samsung has announced plans to bring the Gemini side button shortcut to a range of Galaxy A devices released between 2023 and 2025. Reports suggest that the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A26 are also in line to receive this feature
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.Customization and Cross-App Functionality
The update allows users to customize the side button functionality through their device settings, giving them the option to choose between launching Gemini or sticking with Bixby. Additionally, the update introduces cross-app functionality, enabling seamless integration of Gemini with apps such as Calendar, Notes, Reminder, and Clock. Users can now perform tasks in these apps using voice commands with Gemini
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Implications for AI Accessibility
This move by Samsung emphasizes its commitment to making AI experiences more accessible across its product range. By bringing flagship AI features to mid-range devices, Samsung is positioning even its more affordable smartphones as AI-capable devices. This integration essentially puts Gemini on "speed dial" for a broader range of users, potentially accelerating the adoption and everyday use of AI assistants
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.Update Availability
The May 2025 security update containing the Gemini integration is expected to arrive automatically on eligible Galaxy A series devices. However, users can also manually check for the update by navigating to Settings > Software update > Download and Install on their devices
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